One of the county's biggest developers has signed a sponsorship deal with a rising hockey star.

Quinn Estates is backing teenager Aimee Plumb who recently captained the women's England Under-16 squad at the Six Nations tournament in Ireland.

It is hoped the deal will allow the talented youngster to push on for a place in the Canterbury Ladies first team.

The Canterbury-based player said: “I started playing hockey in Year 3 at Kent College, and have loved the sport ever since I picked up a stick that first time.

"I am now moving to St Lawrence College, Ramsgate, to study for my A Levels and continue my hockey training with their excellent coaching and strength and conditioning facilities.

“It’s a great honour to play for the England team, as I am representing my country at the highest level for my age. It is a very competitive environment and is tough to compete with strong international sides, but the squad and coaches are so supportive of one another.

“When I spoke to Mark Quinn, he was very positive and interested in my journey so far and said he’d be happy to sponsor me. He told me to keep in touch and to talk to him if I ever needed anything.

“I would love to play for the England senior team when I am older, so I will continue to work hard to progress through to the top. It is a goal of mine to compete in major international tournaments such as the Olympics, World Cup and Commonwealths.”

Mark Quinn, chairman and CEO of Quinn Estates, said: “Already, from such a young age, she has shown the dedication and enthusiasm for sports that will lead her to great success in the future.

“Like so many of our country’s sportsmen, young athletes depend on financial backing - which can be as equally important to their success as regular training or a healthy diet. I hope this sponsorship will provide the opportunity for Aimee to continue working towards her next goal of playing for the England senior team, while also balancing her love of sports with studying. We look forward to watching her progress and wish all the best with her training.”