GREAT Binfields Primary School teacher Lou Grainger is hoping to prove to be an inspiration to her pupils after being selected to represent England in the Indoor Nets World Championships in New Zealand this August.

Nets is similar to netball, but is a lot fastest and more furious form of the game.

Games are played inside high tension netted courts, so the ball never goes out of play, creating a faster paced game.

The 28-year-old from Basingstoke, who plays at Rushmoor Netball Club, returned to the sport after a break at university and came through a number of trials, before being thrilled to be picked for the final squad.

This will be the first time she has ever represented her country and cannot wait.

The Great Binfields Primary School teacher will now have to fund her own way to New Zealand and is now looking to raise the £5,000 needed for her dream trip to the other side of the world.

Grainger said: “It is going to be a great honour to pull on an England shirt and all the children I teach are really excited about me going.

“I hope it proves to them anything is possible and never give up on your dreams as I never thought I would play for England.”

This year the World Championships is being held in the New Zealand capital Wellington and two years ago it was held in South Africa, where England finished second so they are hoping to take gold this time.

Grainger added: “We have a number of the players from last time and we certainly have a chance to take the gold.

“Training is going really well. It is intense, but all of us are committed 100 per cent and working hard to make sure we get a medal.”

Standing in the way of England winning the world crown are Australia, South Africa and hosts New Zealand.

There are two tournaments for the England team of sixes and sevens with a very busy schedule once they arrive in New Zealand.

l Anyone who can help the teacher with her fund raising with sponsorship or donations can visit her just giving page at https://www.gofundme.com/mxwby5zv.