ST NINIAN'S Primary has hailed one of their pupils as a "star for the future" after she won the school's first ever cross country medal.

Cardenden racer Evie Paterson, 10, had never tried the distance before but her debut proved to be a big success.

She's a keen footballer too and was persuaded to keep on running after her coach clocked her speed around the pitch.

The school posted online: "We wanted to give a very special mention to Evie Paterson (P5/6 class) who came third in one of the races at the cross country championships at Beveridge Park.

"There was 147 pupils racing so it is a massive achievement to receive a medal.

"We are all very proud of Evie at the school, it is also the first time that a pupil at St Ninian's PS has placed and received a medal.

"What a star for the future, well done Evie."

The P6 pupil came third in the Fife Primary Schools Cross Country Championships, which was held in Beveridge Park in Kirkcaldy on May 19.

Proud mum Lorraine Paterson said: "She plays football for one of the kids teams, Raith Rockets, and her coach knows how fast she is.

"There was some talk about her taking up running too so when this opportunity came up she just went for it.

"She's really chuffed with the medal.

"Anything sporty, she wants to do it. She just wants to be good at everything.

"Her dad (Owen) is quite good at everything he tries so she's taking after him.

"It's not me anyway!"

After her success at cross country Evie tackled a 5k park run at Fife Cycle Park in Lochgelly and athletics is now a consideration.

But it won't replace football.

Evie, who has a wee brother, five-year-old Ellis, "loves" the game.

Lorraine said: "She's been playing for two years now.

"Evie used to play up front but now she's in defence as nobody can get past her, she's so fast!

"She's so good at her sport, I thought it would be good to be recognised for it.

"Hopefully she can go far."