THREE Bristol badminton players won medals at the European Championships, held in the Republic of Ireland.

Penny Shears, from Staple Hill, Joanna Elson, from Redland, and Val O'Neill, from Keynsham, made the podium in their respective categories in Dundalk.

Shears and Elson coach dozens of school children in the Bristol area each week, with the aim of producing future medallists for the England team.

Shears won the bronze medal in the over-60s mixed doubles, with her Cornish playing partner Bob Bell.

Elson won the silver in the over-60s ladies doubles, with her partner O'Neill and also took bronze in the over-60s mixed doubles.

Shears, who has been coaching in the Bristol area for 30 years, said: "It was a great experience for us to be representing England at the grand old age of 60-plus."

Shears, who is also the Avon development officer for the sport, can often be found coaching at the leisure centres at Kingsdown and Horfield.

For more information on getting involved in badminton go to www.asba.co.uk or www.avonba.co.uk.