TALENTED ice hockey players from the region have been selected to compete for their country.

Three youngsters from the Billingham Stars Junior Ice Hockey Club have made the final selection for the 2017 England National Team Programme.

Josh Reynolds and Callum Wilkinson, both 14, have been selected for the U15s England team, whilst Tommy Spraggon, aged 12, made the U13s England team.

The trio will attend a training session in Sheffield later this month before flying out to Nymburk, Czech Republic in April.

Josh had to undergo surgery just a week before his final trial after breaking a finger, but pressured his mum to still take him.

“Being picked to play for England is a dream come true” he said.

Callum said it was an “honour” to be selected for a second year to represent England.

He said: “I would like to thank my dad who is also my coach and my family for running me up and down the country for trials and their continued support.”

Tommy, who has been playing ice hockey since he was four years old, added: “I’m also very grateful for the support that I have received from my coaches, family and friends.”

Vincent Kelly, head coach for the junior squad at Billingham Stars, said: “Tommy, Josh and Callum have been to a number of training camps which has tested them both on and off the ice.

“Coming away to make final selections in such strong competition is a credit to their dedication and efforts, this has continued to raise the profile of Billingham within the ice hockey ranks.”