Cumbrian badminton star Lauren Smith will bring a bronze medal home from the European Games.

It follows defeat in the semi-finals of the mixed doubles for Smith, from Longtown, and partner Marcus Ellis.

They lost a closely-fought contest to French duo Thom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue.

Smith and Ellis fell behind when losing the first game 21-18, but fought back impressively to level the contest with a 21-14 win in the second game.

But their opponents edged back in front to win the decider 21-18 to move into Sunday's final.

The defeat checked the Team GB pair's four-match unbeaten run in the tournament, which included victory over the European champions from Germany.

Carlisle-born Smith, 31, admitted to mixed emotions after the semi-final.

Writing on Instagram, she said: "Came up short today, frustratingly after playing some damn good badminton.

"But overall we played well this week, fought hard for each other and we're happy to be bringing a medal home for Team GB."