SINCE starting to play mini rugby at the age of five, Abby Blackburn's dream has been to play rugby for England.

Her dream moved a step closer to becoming reality with the news she has won through to the second round of trials for the under-19 England women's team.

Following open trials at Leeds University, the former Hummersknott School, Darlington pupil is among 46 girls from the whole country selected for a weekend of intensive training at Coventry's Broadstreet RFC on September 27 and 28.

The full contingent of England coaches and selectors will be present to whittle the final squad down to 23 to 25 players.

The 16-year-old will be one of the youngest players at Coventry and her achievement, even if she gets no further this year, is remarkable.

Abby's rugby has been developed by Darlington Mowden Park, where she captained the under-16 girls' team last season. She also skippered the Durham County and North-East regional sides.

Abby is still involved in under-18 girls' rugby at Mowden, but is also training regularly with Premier One women's team Thirsk Sharks.

Everyone at Mowden Park is behind Abby, who is delighted that a member of the club, Steve Errington, has secured sponsorship for her through his Aycliffe and Newcastle-based company Skanem UK Ltd.

Mr Errington, who is commercial director of Skanem, said: "It is great to see someone who has worked so hard to start to be recognised and achieve the success she deserves. It's a pleasure to be able to help her."

Abby has just started A-level studies in PE, English, psychology, general studies and leisure and recreation at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College.