LORETO Grammar School hockey squads are on cloud nine after seeing their largest ever contingent win county caps.

Nine pupils aged from 12 to 16 from the Altrincham school will proudly represent their counties as club and school combine to produce the next generation of talent.

Pictured from the front are Alexandra Mulligan, 12, who plays for Timperley and has been called up by Greater Manchester; Dervla Foley, 12, Timperley and Greater Manchester; Sophie Brassill, 17, Bowdon and Greater Manchester; Catriona Walsh, 13, Alderley Edge and Cheshire; Eleanor Mulligan, 16, Timperley and Greater Manchester; Eve Graham, 13, Bowdon and Greater Manchester; Caoimhe Leonard, 16, Timperley and Greater Manchester and Alex Pitt, 16, Alderley Edge and Cheshire.

Olivia Kelly, 15, from the Sale club has also been called up Greater Manchester.

Loreto Grammar School head of physical education, Catherine Ball, said: “The girls enjoy a fabulous team spirit when they play together for school, but when club meets club it's quite a clash.

“We are trying to build a reputation as a centre of excellence for hockey and nine players gaining county call-ups shows the girls' hard work is beginning to reap its rewards.”