CANVEY Island’s Jessica Judd admitted she was ‘over the moon’ to make the semi-finals of the 1500m at the World Championships.

Judd set a personal best in the first round at a packed London Stadium.

And she followed that up with another gutsy display to leave her feeling happy at the finish line.

“I’m the over the moon to have come to the World Championships and made it to the semi-finals,” said Judd.

“In the first round I really couldn’t believe it and the crowd was just amazing.

“I probably went off too fast just like my dad told me not to do but I’m so happy.

“I thought I would have to run the race of my life to get through and it was great to see six of us break away.”

Judd bravely opted to lead the race out before digging in to finish sixth in her best ever time of four minutes 3.73 seconds.

The former Castle View School pupil opted to try out a similar tactic in her semi-final but faded in the final lap.

But Judd admitted she gave everything she could in front of a capacity crowd.

“I couldn’t have given anymore,” said the Rochford born 22-year-old who had to be helped off the track by team-mate Laura Muir after collapsing to the floor at the end of the race.

“I went out in the same way as in the first race but it didn’t pay off and there wasn’t anything there.

“I wanted to do well because it was my dad’s birthday and he also coaches me so he plays a big part.

"But I’m pleased to have made it through to the semi-final and everyone has been really nice which has been great.

"Getting through the first race was my main target and I did all I could to try and got through the second as well.

"But even though I've bowed out my head is held high and I'll be cheering Laura Muir and Laura Weightman in the final on Monday."

Judd fought hard but eventually finished 10th in her semi-final, crossing the line in four minutes 10.14 seconds.

However, her gritty performances - which were praised by the BBC commentary team - also confirmed her return to form and fitness after a difficult couple of seasons.

Judd, who shone brightly as a junior, represented Great Britain at the 2013 World Championships in Russia and reached finals at both the European Championships and the Commonwealth Games during the following season.

But she then found it hard to replicate her best form before bouncing back to her best this season and qualifying for the World Championships after a second place finish at the selection trials in Birmingham.