One of hockey’s largest veterans tournament will have local interest as Anne Rawlinson, from Sutton-in-Craven, has been selected to play for England.

She will join the over-60s ladies’ squad for the second FIH Masters Hockey World Cup, which takes place in Rotterdam from June 5-13.

Speaking about her selection, Rawlinson said: “Things come to those who wait. I’m probably the last goalie standing but this is a great honour and I am really looking forward to representing England.

“It will be a great experience to play hockey for England, especially in Rotterdam as the Dutch have always had a great passion for the game.”

This is just reward for a long and distinguished hockey career that started back in 1966 during a school house match at Colne Grammar School, where she changed from her usual centre forward role to play in goal.

Rawlinson was brought up in Barrowford and went on to play as a centre forward, first for Nelson Ladies before joining Ben Rhydding Ladies in 1995 after moving to Sutton in 1994.

As tends to happen in many careers, she made her way back through the team, crafting a niche as a defensive player before major shoulder surgery looked to have put an end to her career.

However, the decision to return to the goal has paid off and she has been putting in quality performances for the last six years for Ben Rhydding.

Looking back over her career, she said; “I’ve had a long and successful hockey career and I really enjoyed my time with Nelson and Ben Rhydding.

“Highlights are being awarded the team’s Player of the Year in 2003/4 and 2005/6 and scoring over 30 goals in one season for Ben Rydding.”

Away from hockey, Rawlinson has recently retired from teaching where she specialised in working with students with special needs. She also enjoys walking and cycling.

The 2014 FIH Masters Hockey World Cup is organised by the International Masters Hockey Association, Hockey Club Rotterdam, and the Royal Dutch Hockey Association.