REBECCA COOPER became bitten by the 10-pin bowling bug just two years ago - and now the 12-year-old from Margate has been talent-spotted and invited to train with the England squad.

Coaching for the national side will take place over the next three years and the talented youngster has her sights firmly set on establishing herself as part of the country’s elite bowlers.

She will travel to Wolverhampton throughout that time to take part in day-long courses.

Rebecca, who is a student at Clarendon House Grammar, Ramsgate, is among three youngsters who bowl for the Cliftonville team to be selected for this special training – her team mates are 14-year-olds Josh Plewis and Jess Sylvester.

Already chosen to represent the Kent Academy of Bowling, Rebecca competes with her Cliftonville team at tournaments around the country as well as more local matches against sides from AMF Bowling at Margate, and teams from Whitstable and Chatham.

She said: "The opportunity to train with national squad coaches and be part of the England set up is a huge thrill. I only started bowling two years ago and I love it. It is a fabulous sport and the people are so friendly."

She plays three matches most Saturdays and has an impressive personal best points tally of 197 that included five strikes in a row. Her distinctive blue bowling ball weighs 14lbs and has a weight built into it to give it a bias that enables Rebecca to place all sorts of spin on it.

Bowling plays a large part in the Cooper family household – Rebecca’s parents Julie and John play for the local police bowling team, and John is also a coach for Cliftonville.

Her sister Georgia is also a keen bowler, while their two-year-old brother Harry plays and even has his own ball.

Clarendon House head teacher Jane Bennett said: "To be chosen to train with the England coaches for the next three years is an excellent achievement. We will watch Rebecca’s progress with interest and wish her well in her ambition."