Cumbrian badminton star Lauren Smith is targeting glory in the European Games this week.

Smith is in Poland where she and Marcus Ellis will be aiming for mixed doubles success.

The duo won gold in the Games in Minsk four years ago and Smith, from Longtown, is excited about her latest tournament representing Team GB as she and Ellis defend their title.

“Watching Team GB athletes in the Olympics and other events when I was a child is what inspired me to pursue sport,” said Smith, speaking on Badminton England’s website.

“It is quite strange to be on the other side of it now and hopefully inspiring young people to get involved, whether that’s in badminton or any sport."

“Being part of Team GB, you just feel like you have that extra lift as the whole team is there to help you succeed," the 31-year-old added.

Double Olympian Smith and Ellis are in a ten-strong British squad and the pair are in Pool D, where they will take on teams from Germany, Slovenia and Austria.

The badminton competition at the Games gets under way on Monday and can be watched via europeangames.tv