It should have been a case of 'jolly hockey sticks' for Beth Hayman, pictured, until thieves scuppered her chances of major sporting success.

The talented young goalkeeper, who was set to take her place among the country's very best, looks set to drop out after her mother's car was stolen - with her full kit bag in the boot.

The sports-mad 15-year-old, a Thornton Grammar School pupil, has already represented West Yorkshire and recently underwent trials for the national under-16s side.

Beth is the regular keeper for Bradford's Netherwood Ladies side and was set to undergo an assessment for the North of England squad until her specialised sticks, pads and helmet were stolen.

Her mother, Maxine, said burglars struck at their home in Shelley Grove, Fairweather Green, Bradford, on Sunday night. "I awoke in the night and, after getting out of bed, felt that it seemed very cold downstairs."

Mrs Hayman, 41, went to investigate and was horrified to find a window had been forced and left open. "The kitchen was in a right mess. They had been rooting around and there was mud all over the place."

As well as taking the keys to her husband's work van, the intruders grabbed a set for her £10,000 Ford Focus which Mrs Hayman bought just three months ago.

"They drove off in my car which had all of Beth's hockey gear in the back," she said.

"Although the insurance will pay for the car itself, it will only cover the first £100 of the hockey equipment which altogether cost up to £1,000."

Mrs Hayman added: "She is supposed to be having an assessment for the North of England in a fortnight's time but unless she can replace her stuff, she is going to have to drop out."

And the mum-of-four said: "Beth, like the rest of the family, is really shaken up that somebody has been walking around in our home while we were in bed. But she is absolutely heartbroken that she looks set to miss out on this chance to play for the North of England under-16s.

"She eats, sleeps and breaths hockey and it would be devastating for her to have to drop out."

She added: "I just hope that whoever took the car might leave the hockey gear where someone will find it so we can get it back."

Her pads, helmet and shirt - marked Hayman on the back - were in a large green and black Slazenger sports bag. Three hockey sticks were kept in another bag. Ring (01274) 376259 if you can help the police.