Young Norfolk player Mollie Patterson has been chosen to represent England in the Primary Schools International tournament in Jersey next month.

The 11-year-old Docking Primary School pupil will be heading to the Channel Islands for the event on April 4-6 as she looks to continue building her reputation in the junior game.

Mollie, who lives in Brancaster Staithe on the north Norfolk coast, is coached at Wensum Table Tennis Club and is part of the Norfolk Cadets squad.

Mollie's father, James Patterson, introduced his daughter to the game as he used to play in the King's Lynn area and is pleased to see Mollie's talent being recognised.

'It's been done on a selection basis so they've looked at the England rankings and Mollie is top four for her school year in the country,' Mr Patterson explained.

'She plays in national tournaments and plays for the county at cadets. She has been playing for nearly three years now and I think she has got a natural talent, although people used to say that about me so I guess I am a bit biased.

'But I seriously think she has a natural eye for shots and her hand-eye coordination.'

Mollie will compete at her school year level, year six, and look to continue improving her national ranking while in Jersey.

Mr Patterson added: 'Obviously she is very young at the moment so she talks about playing in the Olympics one day, but that's a long, long way off. I just think she would like to play for England and get to the top of her age group rankings for now.'

Do you know a local youngster who has received national recognition? Contact David Freezer on 01603 772418, on Twitter @davefreezer or via email to david.freezer@archant.co.uk