Suzie Pierrepont has captained England to the European Under-17s Championship.

The 16-year-old, from Brighton, secured a crucial 9-2, 1-9, 9-4, 9-6 victory over Orla Noom (Netherlands) during the 2-1 final win in Malmo, Sweden.

The Brighton College pupil said: "I was shaking before that match.

"The other games against the Netherlands were predictable, but my one wasn't because I hadn't played the girl before. There was so much pressure and when she came back at me in the second game I was getting very edgy.

" I feel brilliant. I'm so proud to have helped England retain the trophy.

"Being a captain wasn't too bad. My main job was to make sure everyone was cheering the team. So whenever our opponents looked at the front row all they could see was red, white and blue flags.

"It was a bit like tennis' Davis Cup. All the players were roaring each other on."

The Brighton Heath and Racquets Club member, who helped England to European success at under-15s, said: "It was great to complete a personal double.

"England is so strong at squash. We've got two world champions. The ladies are world and European champions and the men European champions, yet no one knows. I'll just keep plugging away doing my bit to help the sport gets some recognition."

Suzie was a member of the Brighton College team that reached the National Schools final this season.

She said: "It was a boys competition but if you don't have a girls team and are good enough you are allowed to play for the boys. It has been a great season."

Rachel Wilmott, the national under-13s champion from Horsham, helped England secure an under-15s bronze medal by winning three out of her five matches.

Suzie said: "It was a great effort from Rachel because she was up against girls two or three years older than she was."

The England teams were coached by Michael Harris, who is based at Brighton Health and Racquets Club and coaches Suzie and Rachel.

The national junior coach said: "I only got the call to help coach them at the last minute because their regular coach Dave Campion was ill. It was a fantastic experience. The girls did superbly.

"Suzie was nervous but came through. Rachel showed good temperament.

"We played her in the quarters and semis and would have played her in the final."