A Didsbury basketball ace has just returned from France after representing her country.

Catherine Meakin, of Parrs Wood Road, was part of England’s under 15 development squad which took part in a tournament in Toulouse.

For Catherine (pictured) , a pupil at Barlow RC High School, it was the latest step in her ultimate ambition to one day become a basketball professional.

“My aim is to play Great Britain or go to America,” said the 14-year-old, a pupil at Barlow RC High School.

Much of her spare time is taken up with the sport and during the season she can play up to four games in a weekend, in addition to training three evenings each week.

She developed her interest two years ago through a schools competition at the Amaechi Centre in Whalley Range and now plays there for Manchester Mystics.

Brother Luke, aged 17, is also an emerging star, using his 6 ft 5 in frame to good effect on the basketball court.

The Loreto College pupil plays for Manchester Magic and has been recognised at regional level.

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