A NEWBURY schoolgirl has hurtled her way down a bobsleigh track to claim international success.

Having only driven monobobs (a bobsleigh operated by one person) for a matter of weeks, Annabel Chaffey, 17, secured the title of Youth Monobob Series Champion at the weekend.

Annabel came first in the final race of the FIBT Youth Monobob Series Championships which concluded the three-series at the famous Olympia natural ice track at St Moritz.

She said: “I can’t believe I won the St Moritz race and then went on to win the series! It does not feel real, and is a massive confidence boost and motivation to work hard ready for next season and the Youth Olympics.

“I could not have done it without the support I have had and the whole experience has just been crazy and very, very exciting!”

Derek Peaple, head teacher at Park House School said: “Annabel’s stunning achievement in becoming the first British female athlete to win a series bobsleigh title is an amazing start to 2015 for her. It is a privilege to have her as a student at Park House. We are all so proud of her.”

She is the youngest person to have competed in the British Bobsleigh championships.

Her British team mate, Kelsea Purchall, took second place, and third went to Valentina Bologova from Russia. Earlier this month, Annabel was announced Berkshire Junior Sports Personality of the Year.