A WORCESTER girl is celebrating being called up for the United Kingdom team at the World Lifesaving Championships.

Abby Kelly will be part of a 12-strong British squad who will fly out to Florida in May for the championships, having been selected through her excellent results at several top competitions this season, including the European, Commonwealth and British championships.

The 25-year-old, a member of South Worcestershire Lifesaving Club, is delighted to have qualified for the world championships for the first time.

She said: "This is what I have been aiming to do for the last couple of years. I shall be hoping to get to the finals of the pool events but I will need to do very well to get a medal."

The competition includes pool, ocean and beach events, and she will be particularly hoping for success in the 50m Manikin rescue -- involving a 25m swim and 25m manikin tow -- which she set a new British record in at the Stillwater Championships in Manchester last year.

Abby, who was recently named as Sport Worcester's Sportswoman of the Year, is looking for sponsorship to help make the trip. With no national funding available, she needs to raise £800 towards the cost of flights, accommodation and team kit.

Anyone interested in helping out can contact her on 07780-670255.