Laura becomes the new darling - and promises to topple champion next time

While Williams won her fifth Wimbledon title, defeating sister Serena 7-5, 6-4, Robson offered Britain's long-suffering tennis public a chance to celebrate as she became junior champion at the age of 14.

Robson is likely to be rewarded with a wildcard into the main draw next year, and when asked about the prospect of playing Venus she boldly replied: 'I'll take her down!'

Robson shows off the trophy after winning the girl's singles title at Wimbledon

Playing for the first time on the big stage of No 1 Court, Robson capped the most memorable week of her life by defeating Thailand's Noppawan Lertcheewakarn 6-3, 3-6, 6-1.

'All the crowd got behind me and it was an overwhelming experience,' she said. 'I thought I was going to be sick because there were so many people watching me, but I played well. In the second set I went a bit mad but I got it back together in the third.'

Robson received her winner's trophy from Ann Jones, who won Wimbledon for Britain in 1969. The youngster's only disappointment was to learn that Russian hearthrob Marat Safin - beaten in the semi-finals by reigning champion Roger Federer - had politely declined to escort her to the champions' dinner tonight, as she had requested in a message to him.

She revealed: 'His agent gave me a letter, which I've memorised, and it said: "To Laura, I am sorry I could not come to the ball, but good luck tomorrow".'

Britain's Laura Robson in action during her final win against Noppawan Lertcheewakarn

Annabel Croft, the last British junior girls winner in 1984, said: 'Laura looks to have the whole package.' While Robson moved easily under the spotlight, Venus Williams kept her celebration low key in an attempt not to hurt the feelings of sister Serena.

'You could never detract from winning a Wimbledon title,' said Venus. 'But I'm definitely more in tune with my sister's feelings because one of us has to win and one has to lose. It isn't as exciting because my sister has just lost.'

Serena continued with her odd habit of putting on her raincoat before leaving the court. When told she looked unhappy, she snapped: 'I wonder why.'