A pupil at South Craven School has been picked for the England Students Women’s Rugby Squad for the second year running.

Year 13 student Joanne Ollerenshaw, from Lothersdale, has been involved in rugby league since she was a child, attending matches with her parents who are both keen fans of the game.

Joanne has wanted to play since she was eight years old and, when she was 13, she joined a team in Wibsey.

A spokesman for South Craven School praised Joanne’s dedication, adding: “She is now a regular for Bradford Thunderbirds at Clayton, where she plays acting half or in the second row.

“She is a strong runner with the ball and her team, which is in the top division, recently won the league.

“Joanne toured with the England squad last year to France and she is now looking forward to her gap year in Melbourne, Aus-tralia.

“She is due to work in outdoor pursuits from July to February and will no doubt find a rugby team to join!

“On her return she is hoping to join the police and also has a place at university to study criminology.”