WINCHSTER schoolgirl Tressa Armitage has been picked to play table tennis for England.

The 14-year-old, who hopes to compete in the Olympics one day, played for England Cadet Girls (under 15) in the European Six Nations tournament in Stockholm and a friendly match against Croatia and the Netherlands last summer.

The talented teenager is among a dozen girls called into the England International Squad and the England Youth Development Squad.

The Kings School pupil practices for up to 15 hours weekly. She also trains internationally and has recently returned from 18-day training camp in Croatia with the English Table Tennis Association.

Tressa first picked up a table tennis bat at the age of nine at her home in Sarum View where her 18-year-old brother, Francis, is an accomplished local league and county table tennis player.

Her proud father Antony said she had excellent hand to eye co-ordination. He said: "It was fairly apparent early on that she could be good if she dedicated enough time to playing."

Asked if Tressa might compete in the Olympics, he said: "Realistically, she is a bit young for 2012. Table tennis players reach their peak in their 20s and 30s. So London will be too early, but 2016 maybe."

Tressa developed her ping pong skills at South Wonston Table Tennis Club, playing her first league game at 10-years-old. At the age of 12, she was the youngest girl to play in the Southampton Premier League.

Today the schoolgirl plays for the national Women's and Junior leagues as well her local league, Southampton West league, Bournemouth Sports and London Progress.

Mr Armitage said: "We do a lot of travelling.!"

Tressa said: "My ambition is to play in the Olympics either 2012 or 2016. I want to play in the European championships next year and then either after school or college, become a professional."