A GIFTED netballer from Forest School got to fly the flag for Britain at an historic Jewish athletics competition.

Stephanie Driver got the honour of holding the Union Jack when she led the the British team out at the opening ceremony of the Maccabiah Games in Israel in front of thousands of spectators.

The 17-year-old was the vice-captain of the women's netball team at the event - which was founded in Eastern Europe at a time when Jewish athletes were banned from competing in mainstream sports.

She said: "The whole experience was full of special moments and fantastic experiences but, to sum it up, I feel so privileged to have represented my country and religion, playing the sport I love in an international competition in Israel.

The teenager tasted even more glory when she won a silver medal with the team after being beaten in the final by the Australians.

Forest School teacher George Paynter said: "The event is one of the largest sporting events in the world and gives the opportunity for young people from all parts of the world to meet people from other cultures and ways of life."