A TALENTED athlete has been selected to compete in inter-regional volleyball competitions.

Burgess Hill Girls’ school student Peanut Meekings will represent the South East at the Volleyball England Inter Regional championships in May.

The competition, which is held at the National Volleyball Centre in Kettering, provides an opportunity for players to be scouted by national squad coaches.

Peanut, who is already an accomplished athlete, represents Sussex at the javelin and was invited to join the British Athletics Youth Talent Programme in 2019.

The 16-year-old only took up volleyball a few years ago but now plays for Burgess Hill Girls, Sussex Dolphins Volleyball Club and Ashcombe Volleyball Club’s under 18s team.

She said: “I am absolutely ecstatic to be selected for the South East volleyball team. It shows all the hard work was worth it. I’m also very grateful to my teachers at Burgess Hill Girls for introducing me to indoor volleyball.”

Headteacher at Burgess Hill Girls’ school Liz Laybourn said she is delighted to see Peanut expanding her sports repertoire.

She said: “Peanut’s sporting success has no limits. It’s great to see her doing so well in a team sport which perfectly complements her javelin training. She is a wonderful role model for other students at Burgess Hill Girls. Work hard, believe in yourself and you can get there.”