Claire Smithson had a royal flush after winning gold at the All England Schools Championships.

The Brighton and Hove athlete was presented with her medal by Prince Andrew after winning the under-19s discus at Sheffield.

Claire, 16, said: "I was nervous and it was a bit embarrassing. I don't think he knew what to say, although I do remember he gave me a big smile. But it was a thrill meeting him."

Her triumph completed a hat-trick of title successes at the Championships following victories at under-15s and under-17s.

Claire, of Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College, said: "I felt I had nothing to lose. Emma Carpenter, from Devon, was reckoned to be the favourite and it looked like she would win. So the pressure was on her to produce."

But the Championships threatened to be a disaster for Claire. She started with two no throws and one more would have put her out of the competition.

Claire said: "I really needed to record a throw. Emma had already got in a big throw and as the competition progressed I was getting more nervous. I don't think I have ever felt so tense in any event.

"I managed a standing throw of 36m and that ensured the extra three throws. My fourth effort was over 40m, but I was still out of the medals.

"My fifth attempt was 47.51m which gave me the lead, just a few centimetres further than Emma. But she was throwing last so everything was down to the final throw of the competition.

"I could barely watch her. She seemed to stand in the circle for ages concentrating and preparing for her final effort, and it must have been very difficult for her as well. But it was not a good effort and I heaved a sigh of relief. I'm certain my Dad has got even more grey hairs now.

Now Claire can go to Mannheim next month to represent Britain in confident mood as she bids for a World Championship place.

Sam Redd, 16, also completed a title hat-trick when she won the under-17s javelin crown with 42.70m, despite nearly missing the competition with ankle and back problems.

The Brighton and Hove Club athlete picked up the injuries when making her debut for England under-20s in Holland last week, but physiotherapy ensured she could compete.

"It was really good to win this time particularly with my injuries.

"I opened with a throw of 39.90m, which was a bit disappointing because I wanted a big throw early on in case the injury problems came back. But it put me out in front."

It was a good day for the athletes from the Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College. Sarah Tomlins had a brilliant championships to take second in the under-19 200m.

Sarah, won her heat in a personal best time of 24.85sec and took a silver medal in 24.71sec, just one hundreth of a second outside the Sussex senior record.

Gaby Howell, another BHASVIC girl, won bronze for a second successive year in the 400m. Going off probably a little too fast, Gaby looked good at halfway, but a strong wind down the back straight took its toll and she faded in the home straight.

There were silver medals for debut sprinters Amala Onoura (Willingdon School, Eastbourne) and Brighton College's Martin Blencowe.

Amala won her under-15 100m heat in a new Sussex record time of 12.4sec and was second in the semi-finals.

She improved the record to 12.32m in the final.

Martin, like Amala, the South of England 100m champion, contested the 200m as his starts can be slow.

He won his heat in 22.92sec and his semi-final in a county record time of 22.64sec. Martin also improved it in the final with 22.43sec behind Simon Farendon from Derbyshire.

Unfortunately the following wind was over the limit so his semi-final time is the county record.

Josh Lamb (Sackville School, East Grinstead) and Varndean's Kathryn Redd finished fifth at under-19s.