It has been ranked as the country's toughest parkrun.

But the weekly race along Great Yarmouth's north beach has been helping a local teenager with autism realise her dream of becoming a top photographer.

Emily Metcalfe, 14, suffers from anxiety and often feels overwhelmed in social situations.

That began to change last August after she spotted a post in a local Facebook group asking for a photographer to volunteer at the Great Yarmouth North Beach parkrun.

“My mum responded to the post, and we went down together that Saturday," Emily said.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A photo taken by 14-year-old Emily Metcalfe at a Great Yarmouth parkrun. A photo taken by 14-year-old Emily Metcalfe at a Great Yarmouth parkrun. (Image: Emily Metcalfe)

“It was very scary for the first week and I let my mum do all the communicating while I hid behind my camera where I was happy."

As the weeks have gone by, she has become more relaxed. 

"I feel so much more confident and I rely less on my mum to enjoy my Saturday mornings," she said.

READ MORE: Instagram influencer heading for 'toughest parkrun' in Yarmouth

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Two volunteers pose for 14-year-old photographer Emily Metcalfe at a Great Yarmouth parkrun. Two volunteers pose for 14-year-old photographer Emily Metcalfe at a Great Yarmouth parkrun. (Image: Emily Metcalfe)

Emily has now volunteered at 10 parkruns and said the experience has allowed to her to improve her photography skills and develop her own style of taking photos.

She said it has also helped her realise that her autism will not stop her from reaching her dreams, and that with the right support, understanding and acceptance she can do all the things that others can do.

READ MORE: New Norfolk parkrun is ranked toughest in UK

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A man running on Great Yarmouth beach during a parkrun, as photographed by 14-year-old Emily Metcalfe. A man running on Great Yarmouth beach during a parkrun, as photographed by 14-year-old Emily Metcalfe. (Image: Emily Metcalfe)

“I have received positive compliments and that has really helped boost my confidence," she added.

Now Emily hopes that her experience will inspire others in a similar situation to try new things even if they seem "frightening or impossible".

“If I can do it, I know they can too," she said. 

Great Yarmouth Mercury: A woman at a Great Yarmouth parkrun photographed by 14-year-old Emily Metcalfe. A woman at a Great Yarmouth parkrun photographed by 14-year-old Emily Metcalfe. (Image: Emily Metcalfe)

Emily is one of the 250,000 people taking part in parkrun every week and she said the community of eight million parkrunners registered to the charity has helped her.

“Everyone has been so kind and supportive and I never imagined that I would feel part of such a big community.”

More of Emily's photos can be seen on her Facebook page, Emily's Photography.