STUDENT Sarah Hope has been selected for the North of England hockey squad - but she has to wear equipment that makes it look as if she's going into battle.

For Sarah, 16, is a goalie, a dangerous role, so she needs £1,400-worth of protective gear.

The Northallerton College student said: "After a match, I sometimes turn up at the college with bruises and even the odd black eye.

"Once in a goalmouth melee, my helmet flew off and I was knocked out for a second or two."

Sarah, who plays for Northallerton Ladies Hockey Club, will now attend training sessions with the North of England under-17 squad at Leeds and Manchester.

If she impresses she could be in the running to play at national level. "It's my big ambition to play for England," she said.