Aleasha Kiddle wants to use what she has learned in her first year in bobsleigh racing to help power Great Britain up alongside the top names in the sport.

It has been an eventful winter for the 22-year-old from Braintree after having her athletic talent spotted at a Team GB selection event last year when she has fulfilled a dream of representing her country and building invaluable experience as a brakewoman.

In the FIBT World Cup in North America and across Europe, Kiddle raced behind drivers Victoria Olaoye and Mica McNeill and partnered McNeill to sixth place in the Junior World Championships and 14th in the senior World Championships in Germany.

That 14th spot was below the top-12 finish the British duo were aiming for, but the former St Michaels Primary School and Tabor High School pupil said both she and McNeill could take plenty from the experience.

She said: “The World Championships was definitely the highlight of the season.

"It was a great experience and I noticed the step up in all teams racing.

“We gave it our all but unfortunately didn’t make our top 12 target and finished 14th overall after four heats.

“This event in particular has shown me the how important every training run is, as I am still learning and trying to improve my technique.

“I really want to practise more, get stronger and faster so we are able to be more competitive on the World circuit.

“Mica and I had some challenges at the World Championships with our timing and our optimum running distance.

“We are one of the youngest and lightest teams on the World Cup circuit, but Mica has shown her driving skills are there and I hope we can work together more and get stronger to progress every season. This season has given me a great confidence boost and I am so happy I was able to embark on this amazing opportunity and fulfill my dream of representing Great Britain.

“Now it has given me the drive to not just compete but to be up with the best and challenge the top bobsleigh athletes in the world.

“I hope to progress every season and aim to be more competitive for (the Winter Olympics in) 2018.”