* Anytime before late-June

TADCASTER hockey player Lorraine Pearey is counting down to a second season of appearances in an England shirt.

The City of York Hockey Club member helped England Over-45s to win the Home Nations tournament and a European gold medal last season.

Having relished the experience of playing for her country, she was eager to be a part of the England set-up again.

Pearey came through several England Masters trials earlier this year and has been selected in the final squad of 18 players to play in the Home Internationals tournament, which is being held in Edinburgh at the end of June.

Being selected for the England Masters team is the culmination of a long hockey career, which began at Tadcaster Grammar School and the town's hockey club before moving to the City of York club.

She had also played for Yorkshire sides and a North of England representative team, which led to her initial trials for the England squad.

A second England selection has brought another challenge for Pearey – raising the funds she needs to pay for her travel, accommodation and new kit.

Fortunately, she has won support from another sport – thanks to the owners and members of Scarthingwell Golf Course – where she has worked for the last three years.

Eileen Moore, one of the partners at Scarthingwell, and Tony Howarth, the club's golf and marketing manager, presented her with a cheque to cover her costs and the new kit.

Pearey said: "I am really grateful to everyone at Scarthingwell Golf Club for the support they have given to me which has enabled me to play for England again.

"It was a big achievement and a great experience to play for England and to win the Home Internationals, so I'm delighted to make the team again."