LOCAL hockey player Carol Matravers is a European champion after winning a gold medal with the England Ladies Over 60s team in the Masters European Championships in Glasgow.

It was the culmination of a summer of representing her country for the Minehead Ladies Hockey Club member.

The team saw off Scotland 3-0 and the Netherlands 4-0 on their way to victory in the tournament.

A stalwart defender for Minehead Ladies, Carol also represented England Over 60s against Canada in May, winning 3-0, and then played in an Over 35s tournament in Vancouver where her team were runners-up after a sudden death penalty shoot-out.

The home internationals in Dublin followed, with Carol’s team victorious after beating Scotland.

Her other international appearances included playing a touring Australian team in Oxford in early July and winning 4-2.

Carol is a long-standing member of the Minehead club, and anyone interested in her achievements or in becoming invloved with the club as a player, spectator or volunteer, is welcome to attend their open day next Saturday (September 9) at the West Somerset College astroturf pitch from 11am to 3pm.

More information can also be obtained by phoning 07969 672489 or visiting the club’s website or Facebook page.