A TEENAGER from Knutsford has been picked to compete at a prestigious multi-sport event for school-age athletes from tomorrow, Thursday.

Sarah Jackson is part of a 16-strong squad named by England Girls Blue for a hockey tournament that forms part of the annual Sainsbury's School Games in Manchester.

Six teams - England Blue, Red, and White along with Scotland, Wales and Ulster - meet each other at the Armitage Sports Centre.

"I'm really exited and proud to have been chosen," said the 17-year-old, a student at Cheadle Hulme School.

"It will be great fun to be part of such a large sporting event, and to see all of the other athletes at the opening ceremony."

Former Great Britain international Charlotte Hartley, who won a bronze medal as a teenager while representing England at the Commonwealth Games in 2006, will mentor the 190 boys and girls playing hockey in Manchester.

"I'd advise Sarah to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the experience," she said.

"Multi-sport events can be daunting, but you're there to compete and do the best you can."

A total of 12 sports, seven of which include disability disciplines, make up the four-day School Games which is supported by funding from Sport England and organised by the Youth Sport Trust.

Jackson will live in an athletes' village, and attend opening and closing ceremonies.

Sports minister Tracey Crouch MP said: “The games continue to go from strength to strength and I'm pleased so many young athletes are embracing a fantastic opportunity to showcase their talent.”