A talented rounders player has shown persistence pays after being called up to represent her country. Sophie Curzon, aged 17, has been selected to play for the England Under-19 rounders team after narrowly missing out last year.

Sophie, who attends Bury Grammar School Girls and is their sports captain, has played the sport since the age of nine and has represented the school throughout her time there.

She attended trials last season and was not selected, but was delighted after receiving a letter inviting her to represent England after a successful trial held in Corby in Northamptonshire earlier this year.

Jane Slade, head of sport and physical education, said: “This is a great achievement and all credit to Sophie who narrowly missed out on selection last year.

“Sophie is yet to learn of the matches and training she will be attending but I am sure she will gain much from playing with girls with the similar passion and ability she possesses.”

As well as being a talented rounders player, Sophie has represented Greater Manchester at county level in shot put. She is currently studying A Levels in Physical Education, Geography and Psychology and hopes to gain a place at Loughborough University to train to become a PE teacher.