A BOLTON fencing star hopes her first international event is part of a learning curve to future Great Britain glory.

Ella Nightingale has just returned from Meylan in France where she took on some of the world's best representing GB Under-17s.

The 16-year-old followed in the footsteps of her Rivington Club team-mate Emily Ruaux by representing her country in international competition.

Mum Daryl said: "It was a huge step up for her in terms of competition.

"She found it a challenge and was very nervous being her first international overseas.

"She won one poule but did not get through to the DE (Direct Elimination) and was 95th out of 105.

"But it was hard for her not having her coach Dmitri Lapkes out there to help give her tips.

"We hope she will still be picked for Great Britain cadets to go to Germany in December and if she makes it we hope to fund her taking him too.

"It will be a big cost as it could make a difference to her results."

Ella has come a long way since picking up the sabre two years ago.

Daryl said: "Ella needed to do another sport for her Duke of Edinburgh and has really took off since there in June 2012.

"She never expected to rise through the ranks as quickly as she had done.

"Ella was delighted when she received the email to say she had got in the GB U17s side.

"She is ninth in the country and they took the top 13 away to France.

"She trained four nights a week and put a lot of hard work and dedication to get there.

"Her coach Dmitri has been a great help telling her how to cope with different situations."

Daryl added Ella has developed with the help of senior women's fencer and club team-mate Emily Ruaux.

She said: "It is great to have role models like Emily who have been in the cadet ranks and then moved up to the seniors who she can aspire to be."

Michael Ruaux, club coach, said: "Ella has done tremendously well to get picked for the Under-17s squad.

"She has developed into a good fencer and we think she can rise up the rankings.

"It will be a great experience to go to an international tournament and competing against some of the best fencers from around the world.

"Ella has worked with our new club coach and he is helping all of our young fencers to improve their technique."

It is just another example of the success at the club as last week Your Sport reported teammate Patrick Jennings had moved up to 13th in the national rankings.

If you want to find out more about Rivington Fencing Club check out the website: www.rivingtonparkfencingclub.co.uk