A WORCESTER soldier has scooped four prizes in an Army skiing contest held in the French Alps.

Corporal Annabelle Franey won top female, the super giant slalom and was runner-up for the individual slalom and downhill events, when she competed in Exercise Pipedown, the skiing Championships for British soldiers based in Germany.

The competition at Les Contamines Montjoie, near Mont Blanc, saw 200 competitors in 35 teams battling it out for trophies.

The 21-year-old soldier who lived with her parents in Northwick, Worcester, before joining the Army, said she had been skiing since she was a little girl.

"I have been skiing for 14 years," she said.

"I first skied on holiday when I was seven and have loved the sport ever since. I took part in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Championships in 2006 and 2007.

"Last year I was not only here but in the Army Championships, the Tri-Service and competed with the Australian Army."

Cpl Franey, who has served in Poland and Austria, is a vehicle electrician with 32 Engineer Regiment based at Hohne in North West Germany.

The former pupil of St Mary's Convent School, in Mount Battenhall, Worcester, was a farm hand before she joined the Army. Talented in many disciplines, she also enjoys sailing and hockey.