A blind bowler who played for England in the world championships has been chosen to represent Great Britain in the Paralympics in Australia.

Christine Woodcock, 61, a member of Spen Valley Flat Green Bowling Club, will fly out to Adelaide on April 12 for the two-week tournament, in which she will compete against teams from 11 other countries.

"I am very proud," said the former mill worker. "It doesn't come much better than this. I was selected for the paralympics because I did so well last year."

Christine, of Greenroyd Avenue, Hunsworth, will play against members of other teams with disabilities, some of whom are confined to wheelchairs. "I shall miss my daughter's 40th birthday when we are there," she said. "But if I receive a medal it will be double celebrations when I get back."

If she does win a medal, the pensioner hopes to keep it this time! Three hours after receiving a bronze medal at the World Blind Bowls Championships in Scotland last August, it was taken from her after a mix-up in the scoring. "Hopefully I shall have more luck this time," said Christine. "If I get a medal, I shall not be letting it go!"

Christine went blind in 1995 after an operation on a brain tumour, during which her optic nerves were severed. She has been bowling for the last five years with husband Donald as her helper and coach.

Christine is a former employee of CB Brook's textile firm in Drighlington, where she worked for 39 years.