A HOCKEY team welcomed a VIP visit when England international Ellie Watton dropped in to share her skills..

Ms Watton, a forward for the England team, visited Thirsk Hockey Club to join in the under-14 girls training session.

She observed the two-hour session and gave the girls some valuable tips to help them up their game.

Ms Watton also gave the young players an insight into her battle to become part of the England set-up, which she came into 'late' at the age of 23, hence the player telling the girls to never to give up on their dreams.

The Thirsk club also displayed traditional Yorkshire hospitality by presenting Ms Watton with an array of gifts synonymous with the county, including a traditional flat-cap, a box of Yorkshire tea, a bottle of Black Sheep Ale and some black pudding.

The evening was rounded off by a hockey obstacle course against the clock, which Ms Watton won but couldn't finish with a goal.

A spokesman for the club said it was an evening the girls and the coaches won't forget in a hurry.