Matilda Gladwell, a student at the Royal Hospital School came third in the Eastern Regional Fencing Championships in the sabre division and will now move on to the next competition.

A pupil from an Ipswich school has won bronze in a regional fencing competition.

Sabre is one of three weapons used in modern fencing along with the épée and foil.

Matilda said: “I was really nervous on the day of the competition, my parents were saying just have fun but my coach was saying let’s go win!”

Her placing in the regional competition means Matilda will now go on to compete at the British Championships in May.

“I’m now looking forward to the British Championships that will definitely be much tougher than the regionals,” said Matilda.

“It will be a good experience and as long as I train hard and do my best I will be happy with any result.”