AN up-and-coming athletics star from Kingswinford has become the region s new 1500 metres champion. Jade Charlton, from Kingswinford Academy, claimed the West Midlands Schools title at the county s Athletics Championship, finishing the under 17s event in just four minutes 55 seconds. The Tipton Harriers runner has been competing since she was eight years old and has also represented West Midlands Schools twice in cross country, and Staffordshire County in the national inter-counties cross country championships. She said: I am proud of being West Midlands champion, and I wish to use my athletics in my future career. Kingswinford Academy headteacher, Tom Macdonald, added: Jade is a dedicated athlete, and it was wonderful to see her competing again.