One of hockey’s largest veterans tournaments will have local interest as Anne Rawlinson, from Sutton-in-Craven, has been selected to play for England.

The goalkeeper will join the over-60s ladies’ squad for the second FIH Masters Hockey World Cup, which takes place in Rotterdam from June 5-13.

Rawlinson said: “Things come to those who wait. I’m probably the last goalie standing but this is a great honour and I am really looking forward to it.

“It will be a great experience to play hockey for England, especially in Rotterdam as the Dutch have always had a great passion for the game.”

This is just reward for a long and distinguished career that started back in 1966 during a school house match at Colne Grammar School, where Rawlinson changed from her usual centre forward role to play in goal.

She was brought up in Barrowford and went on to play as a centre forward, first for Nelson Ladies before joining Ben Rhydding in 1995 after moving to Sutton in 1994.

As tends to happen in many careers, she made her way back through the team, crafting a niche as a defensive player before major shoulder surgery looked to have put an end to her career.

But the decision to return to the goal has paid off and she has been putting in quality performances for the last six years with Ben Rhydding.

Looking back over her career, Rawlinson said: “I’ve had a long and successful hockey career and I really enjoyed my time with Nelson and Ben Rhydding.

“Highlights are being awarded the team’s player of the year prize in 2003/4 and 2005/6 and scoring over 30 goals in one season for Ben Rydding.”

Away from hockey, Rawlinson has recently retired from teaching, where she specialised in working with students with special needs. She also enjoys walking and cycling.

The FIH Masters Hockey World Cup is organised by the International Masters Hockey Association, Hockey Club Rotterdam and the Royal Dutch Hockey Association.