THE Harrogate and Ripon Shortwalkers have won their way into the first division of the National Women's Water Polo League, even though the average age of the team is just 16 years.

They completed a momentous season by winning the second division title exactly a year after coming top of the third division. There are only eight teams in the first division.

The team was only created four years ago and was initially based on players from Harrogate, Ripon and Bedale.

But more and more young players from the North-East asked to join them to gain experience at this high level.

The team captain is Judi Clayton from Healey, near Masham, who is the North-East development officer for water polo and a former Great Britain captain.

Her daughter Fran also plays for the Shortwalkers, finishing the year as the league's third highest goalscorer.

Other team members are Lyndsey Johnson from Bedale; Jade Ward and Ashley Chattaway from Harrogate; Anna Richardson, Alex Ward, Allison Mell and Rachael Mell from Durham; Kim Hills and Samantha Crawford from Sunderland; Rachael Drabble from Doncaster and Jenny Myo from Swansea.

Anna Richardson was the league's highest goalscorer and is one of the seven Great Britain junior and youth squad members in the team.

The others are Fran Clayton, Lyndsey Johnson, Rachael Mell, Rachael Drabble, Jenny Myo and Allison Mell.

The coaching team consists of Chris Davey from Ripon and Harry Hanson, formerly from Aysgarth.

Mr Hanson said: "The team have created a tremendous spirit and have worked extremely hard for this result.

"Nerves were tingling on Sunday for the final match of the season and the girls dealt with it magnificently. It has been a privilege to coach them for the last four years."