DENHOLME'S Rebekah Tiler has been chosen as Team England's official flag bearer at next month's Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa.

The 16-year-old weightlifter, who finished fourth in last year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, was surprised to be given the honour, bearing in mind the competition she was up against.

The Bingley Grammar School pupil said: “It’s a great honour to be selected; I am really excited about representing my country in Samoa.

"Being part of a multi-sport team, with a variety of athletes, will be a fantastic experience and it should be a great atmosphere.

“Team England have given me so much support, I love the kit and I’m so excited to have been chosen as Team England’s flag bearer.

"I was up against some great athletes so to get the news was a big surprise – I am really looking forward to the experience."

The British women's record holder for the clean and jerk, after lifting 125kg at the European Youth Championships earlier this month, added: “Next month’s competition will be tough but my preparation has been going well and I’m happy with how I’ve been lifting in training and competition.

"It’s a long way from home and, of course, I am a little nervous about that but I will focus on my competition and hopefully will be able to win a medal.

"I can’t wait to get out there and lead Team England out for the opening ceremony.”

The fifth Commonwealth Youth Games will take place in Samoa's capital city of Apia from September 5-11, with England defending their record of always finishing as one of the top three nations.

Louise Bell, Team England’s Chef de Mission for the Commonwealth Youth Games said: “Rebekah is a definitely one to watch, she has already achieved a lot for an athlete of her age. We hope that Rebekah’s experience of competing at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will inspire other athletes and that this is another positive step on her development pathway."

Ashley Metcalfe, chief executive of British Weightlifting ,said: “On behalf of everyone at British Weightlifting, I’d like to congratulate Rebekah – to have been chosen by the sports’ leaders from a list of very worthwhile candidates is a tremendous accolade and testament to her achievements over the last 18 months.

“Rebekah is an outstanding talent and her gold medal winning performance at this month’s European Youth Championships and her success in senior competitions – even at just 16 years old - proves she’s amongst the best in her weight category. We have no doubts that she will do Team England and British Weightlifting proud in Samoa and we wish her all the best for competition.”

Rebekah has already won silver at the World Youth Championships earlier this year and, more recently, gold in that record-breaking performance at the European Youth Championships, where she also won gold in 2013 and silver in 2014.

Last year, the Mytholmroyd Weightlifting Club member also became Britain’s youngest ever winner in the British Senior Championships at Coventry, when she lifted 205kg in the women's 69kg class.

Around 1,000 athletes aged from 14 to 18 will be competing for 107 gold medals in nine sports over the five days of competition in Samoa.

Team England’s delegation includes 60 athletes representing eight sports (there is also archery, athletics, boxing, lawn bowls, rugby sevens, squash and swimming), plus coaching and support staff.

Some of England’s highest-profile sports stars have appeared at past Commonwealth Youth Games, including Jessica Ennis-Hill, Beth Tweddle, Danny Cipriani, Zoe Smith and James DeGale.