Carlisle-born badminton ace Lauren Smith had a European Games to remember, lifting a gold and a silver medal in Minsk.

Smith, from Longtown, and partner Marcus Ellis beat reigning European champions, and England team-mates Chris and Gabby Adcock 21-14, 21-9 in the mixed doubles on Sunday, a game Ellis described as “cat and mouse”.

Smith described it as a “dream come true” while Ellis admitted winning gold with Lauren "was extra special" and something they would remember forever.

The final was a closely-fought affair with just one world ranking place separating the two pairs. Both had been in good form and had enjoyed comfortable semi-final wins.

“The start of the game was really crucial,” Smith said.

“Against team-mates, it can always be a little bit nervy and especially in a final. We got off to a good start and I think we actually controlled the game and momentum really well.”

On Saturday, reigning English champions Smith and Chloe Birch picked up silver in the women’s pairs, after losing to Cheryl Seinen and Selena Piek from the Netherlands, 21-14, 13-21, 15-21 in the final.