CHLOE Dooley was rewarded for her progress since the turn of the year with a place in North of England’s team for the Cardiff 5K.

And the Vale Royal Athletics Club member returned faith put in her by selectors with a personal-best performance after dipping below 18 minutes over the distance for the first time.

The 20-year-old, who is studying physiotherapy at university in the Welsh capital, stopped the clock in 17:57 – a huge 48-second improvement.

“I haven’t raced for the region previously and so I was excited to get an opportunity,” she said.

“I’d been working hard in training after changing things in the past few months and results have been really good so far.”

Northwich Guardian: Chloe Dooley, wearing 144, makes progress along with her North of England teammates during the Cardiff 5KChloe Dooley, wearing 144, makes progress along with her North of England teammates during the Cardiff 5K

Dooley, a former student at Sir John Deane’s College and County High School Leftwich, put herself in contention to be picked after laying an impressive marker during the Cheshire 10K at Arley Hall in March.

She also classified inside the top 20 in the junior girls’ race at this year's Northern Cross Country Championships.

Together with Jemima Elgood and Laura Wilkinson, she helped North of England to a bronze medal in the women’s inter area team standings at Cardiff.

“My mum had set a new best at the London Marathon the week before and that inspired me to run strongly,” added Dooley.

“It was a challenging course – a fast, downhill start before going uphill later – but it was a successful evening.”