A YOUNG hockey star has been selected for the England North U17 squad that will play in the Regional Championships next month.

Steph Elliott will turn on her style at Millfield School, Somerset, during the October half-term break.

The 16-year-old, from Nunthorpe, is the first schoolgirl from the Tees Valley to be selected for the squad and officials say she is a shining example of what can be achieved through hard work and dedication to sport.

Currently playing for Roseberry Ladies, she is a key member of the first team, having started out as a junior six years ago.

She said: "I am so pleased to have achieved this level of success and must say a special thanks to my coach, from Roseberry Ladies, for all her support, and Anne Whitworth, from Tees Valley Sport, for believing in me and recommending me to the development squads."

Tees Valley Sport's hockey development officer, Anne Whitworth, said: "Steph has progressed really well during her three years in the North development squad.

"Her commitment, ability to learn new skills and tactics quickly and her powerful overall game have been key to her selection and we wish her the very best of luck with the squad."

For more information on hockey in the Tees Valley, contact Tees Valley Sport on 01642-342287 or www.teesvalleysport.co.uk