TALENTED young athletes from Renfrewshire and East Renfrewshire will be flying the flag for Scotland this week as they compete in the Manchester International meeting.

A number of competitors from Kilbarchan AAC and Giffnock North AC have been named in Scotland’s under-20 team for the event, where they will be up against rivals from England and Wales, as well as an under-18 GB squad.

The action gets underway in the Manchester Regional Arena, at the Etihad Stadium, today, providing the youngsters with valuable competition experience.

Kilbarchan runner Jack Patton, coached by Robert Hawkins, will compete in the 1,500m, while club-mate Nicole Proudfoot, coached by Colin Sinclair, will line up in the 100m hurdles.

Also representing Kilbarchan will be Stephen Johnston, coached by Ricky Miell, who is joined in the 4x400m relay team by Ben Sinclair (Manx Harriers), Ben Knowles (Pitreavie AAC) and Ewan Purves (Edinburgh AC).

There are four Giffnock North athletes in the squad, including high jump specialist Murray Fotheringham, who is coached by Colin Sinclair.

The Gazette: Murray FotheringhamMurray Fotheringham

Alyson Bell, coached by Billy Glasgow, will be going for glory in the 100m, with Rachel Callan, coached by Jackie Alexander, lining up in the 400m hurdles.

The Gazette: Alyson BellAlyson Bell

Completing the Giffnock North contingent is Freya Cowan, coached by Ryan McAllister, who is joined in the 4x100m relay team by Lois Garland (Perth Strathtay Harriers), Sarah Duff (Pitreavie AAC) and Layla Zuill (Fife AC).

A spokesperson for governing body scottishathletics said: “We send our warm congratulations to all these athletes and their families and coaches, as well as the clubs who have helped develop them over the past few years.

“It is great to note that around 17 Scottish clubs are represented within the selection.”