GREAT Britain cross-country runner Alex Short showed his gratitude to his old school for getting him started in the sport by presenting staff with his GB vest.

Short ran for Britain at the European Cross-Country Championships in Serbia earlier this month.

And after jetting back from the Balkans, Short stopped off at Southend High School for Boys to hand over his vest to head of PE Steve Thomas.

“My running career started at SHSB and if I hadn’t gone there I wouldn't be in the position I am in now within the running world,” Short said.

“I owe a lot to the school and I think it is a fitting gift to show my appreciation for the great time I had there.”

Short was the fourth GB runner home in the junior men’s event and helped the team finish fourth overall.

The south Essex runner crossed the line in 18 mins 42 seconds to finish 26th.

Southend High’s headteacher Robin Bevan added: “Alex’s journey to represent Great Britain in Belgrade began in the early mornings, ten years ago, running round the school field before lessons. He hasn’t stopped since!”

Britain’s senior men’s athletes secured a team bronze medal in Serbia, with another ex-Southend High School for Boys pupil, Adam Hickey, being the all-important fourth scoring member in Belgrade.

The GB under-23 men’s team secured gold in Belgrade.