Kate Ord, from Cramlington has been playing ice hockey since the age of five and plays with the boys for home team Whitley Bay.

And ice hockey runs in the family as little brother Jamie, aged seven, plays for Whitley Bay U10s.

Mum Cathrin told the News Guardian this week that Kate has now been selected for the England team and will be travelling with them to Canada in October.

Kate was picked for the national team when she attended a school of excellence in Hull in May.

And Cathrin said they have been writing to local businesses for sponsorship to help fund next season.

"As you can imagine the cost of participating at this level is immense," she said.

"This season alone will cost us in excess of £4,000 and as parents we are responsible for this cost out of our own pockets."

Cathrin explained that Kate has been picked to play for the North of England team for the past four years where she has been the only girl in the mixed team.

And she has represented the Northern Conference team as the only girl in tournaments in England, Holland, France and the Czech Republic.

Kate has also played in Canada for a select mixed team where she will be returning this year as part of the England team.