City of Bradford Cadet Girls team are champions of England after winning the Hammersley Cup at Widnes.

They beat Slough and Darlington 5-2 each to take the spoils. It was third time lucky for England Academy girl Nicola White, 14, whose six sets unbeaten made her the player of the team. Heather Shutt, 12, and Katie Lightowler, 14, also performed well to win two sets each.

The girls all joined the City of Bradford Junior Development Scheme at the age of seven. Three years ago they teamed up for the first time and last year they reached the finals and won a silver medal.

Playing conditions at the finals were slower than they would have liked, but they showed a positive attitude and fought for every point.

Coach Hans Soova said: "I am delighted for everyone in the Development Scheme - players, coaches and parents. This is the icing on the cake for a great team effort."

The City of Bradford Cadet Boys team reached the finals in the National Leach Cup for the second year running but had to settle for fourth place.

The team was Stephen Denny, Nick Clegg and Adam and Luke Broadbent.