RISING teenage netball star Lydia Walker is aiming for the top.

The Salendine Nook High School student has just received the best-ever birthday present.

On her 16th birthday, she learned through friends that she had been selected to play for the England Under 17 netball team. She got home from school and went on to the England Netball website to discover her name in the team.

She said: “When I saw my name I was really excited – and a bit nervous because I know it will be really hard work.

“I went along to the national trials for experience and wasn’t expecting much, but I am really, really pleased to have been selected. I’d like to go as far as I can – to get into the senior squad if I can.”

Lydia, of Birchington Avenue, Birchencliffe, is a member of the highly successful Huddersfield Giants Under 16 team which has reached the England Netball national finals for the last three years. They also won the West Yorkshire League. Lydia has been a member of the Yorkshire netball squad since she was 13 and was nominated for the national trials in Loughborough by county coach Joan Young.

Her life revolves around school and netball. She manages to fit in training sessions five days a week as well as playing in matches at weekends. She also goes to the gym regularly to build strength and fitness.