Two Sussex players are set to make their international debuts after earning England call ups.

Bronwyn Powell and Luke Thomson will make their debuts at the Stubbekobing Elite under-13s tournament in Denmark next month.

Both players have benefited from spending a year on the Badminton Association World Class Start programme at the Triangle Centre, Burgess Hill.

Luke, 12, from East Chiddlngly, said: "It has made a big difference to us. We have been taught a lot about technique. We can spend half-an-hour working on one shot.

"We work with national coaches twice a week and concentrate a lot on fitness.

"I don't mind. I want to do well at my sport and I enjoy the hard work. Bronwyn and I get on well. She is a nice girl and a good player.

"It is fantastic to be picked by England. I am excited."

Luke is a member at Newick, where he is coached by George Frasier.

Bronwyn, also 12, from Heathfield, is coached by Bruce Peapell who has also developed the talents of England juniors Heather Olver and Kirsten Reed.

Peapell's three female proteges are based at his Waldron Club in Heathfield.

He said: "I am proud of them all. Heather had to work hard at her game to get on, while Kirsten's development was slow, but Bronwyn is the most instantly natural.

"As soon as she started I could see she had ability and she has shown it this year."

Bronwyn is delighted to be picked for England, four years after taking up the sport.

She said: "It has been a lot of hard work. But I enjoy playing badminton.

"It is great the same coach and club has produced three internationals."

She hopes to emulate her heroine Jo Goode, the Olympic and Commonwealth Games medallist from Bognor.

Bronwyn said: "I look up to her. She is an inspiration."