Schoolgirl, 11, marks table tennis first in 27 years

Amelia joined a table tennis club when she was five years old

A schoolgirl has reached the semi-final of a school table tennis championship.

Amelia, 11, will represent Blessed Robert Widmerpool Primary School in Clifton, Nottingham, after securing a place in the under-11s category.

The Year 6 pupil is the first girl in her age category to compete in the Nottinghamshire county championship in 27 years.

The winners represent their county in the Butterfly National Schools Championships.

Amelia said she was "shocked and proud" and had been "playing almost every day" to get this far - and currently ranks 18th in England for the under-12 girls.

Amelia, 11, has had the support of mum Kathryn alongside her friends, family and classmates

"I do try to train every day and I also have a table tennis table at my house, so it's convenient to practise every day," she said.

"I went to the Clifton Table Tennis Club when I was five with my dad and I play every Monday, Thursday and Friday."

Her main practice partner is still her dad - but these days Amelia is the winner.

Amelia's mum Kathryn shared how proud they are.

She said: "She has come really far. She is an inspiration to all of us, she is so humble - she can't believe she's come this far but I can because it's all hard work that's got her there."

She said Amelia's school, family and friends had all shown so much support and congratulated her, which "really does help and means a lot to all of us".

Winners of the semi-final play at the Butterfly National Finals in Wolverhampton on 28 April.