A talented 12-year-old table tennis player has headed to China after a fundraising event supported by a branch of her local building society.

Ilkley Grammar School pupil Kate Nixon is currently ranked fourth in England for her age group and was raising money for the trip to a coaching camp.

Kate approached staff at the Ilkley branch of the Skipton Building Society for help and they held an open day to raise money for the youngster, with a cake sale bringing in more than £200.

Martin Lee, Ilkley branch manager, said: “We’re always happy to help fundraise or raise awareness of causes close to the hearts of our customers and local residents.

“And when Kate approached us asking for help, we couldn’t say no. It would have been tragic if the only thing preventing her from doing so was not being able to fund the trip.”