A young cricket star who is bowling them over across the country is the latest monthly winner in our Search for a Sporting Star.

Claire Atkinson, of Hospital Road, Riddlesden, has been knocking her opponents for six with her medium-pace bowling.

The 15-year-old has already made a big impression, with performances for Yorkshire and England Under 17s earning her glowing tributes.

The Keighley News is running the contest with local property developer Taywood Homes. In january an overall champion will be selected from our six monthly winners

Taywood Sales Director David Mackintosh says: "The fact Claire has excelled at a traditionally male sport shows that she has had the determination to succeed. To do well in such a traditional boys' sport shows a lot of dedication."

Cricket is in the blood of the Atkinson family with the whole family enjoying the clatter of leather and willow. Claire's birth was greeted with this announcement in the Keighley News: "A welcome daughter for my wife and I, and a future tea lady for our three boys Richard, David and Andrew."

Dad David says: "How she's made me eat my words. Being brought up with three lads, Claire decided at nine years old she wanted to play cricket."

The talented youngster started playing with Steeton U12s before progressing to the U15s as a 12-year-old and the U18s at the age of 14. Since a trial with Yorkshire Girls two years ago, her rise has been meteoric, with county call-ups leading to England U17 recognition.

This year she took another step up the ladder when she joined a Wakefield ladies' side including England players Kathryn Leng, Bev Nicholson and Clare Taylor. Wakefield were crowned national champions this year with Claire playing a major role.

Claire has also been picked for the county's second-team squad. And alongside Laura Spragg, from East Morton, our winner last year, she helped Yorkshire to the U21s' county title with a victory over Sussex.

To nominate a young sportsman or woman for the award simply outline their achievements in a letter of no more than 200 words and say how they would spend the £100 prizemoney. Closing date for this month is November 30. Send nominations to: Search for a Star, c/o Richard Brugger, Keighley News, 80-86 North Street, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD21 3AG.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.