A YOUNG hockey player from the region has been called-up to represent her country at U18 level.

Minnie Pollock, 16, who attends Cundall Manor School near Thirsk, will join up with the squad after an impressive spell in the national U16 team and with North Division 1 side Ben Rhydding Hockey Club.

Minnie joins the 26-person England squad as one of only a handful of northern representatives.

Last year, Minnie secured her first cap for the U16 team in a 5-0 win against Ireland.

She said: “It was a bit of a surreal moment. In the warm-up before the match, my friend said ‘Minnie, we are going to play for England’ and then it hit home.

"After the match I just felt proud. Ever since I started, I wanted to represent my country and it was so satisfying to actually make it.”

Assistant head at Cundall Manor, Louise Bessey, said: “I am so proud of Minnie, I know how hard she has worked to achieve this incredible success and it is fully deserved. To represent your country at any sport is a huge privilege and an incredible achievement."