A RISING star netball athlete has got a boost to play at world championships in South Africa.

Abby Miles has been selected to play with the under 21 England netball team at World Cup Championships in Cape Town in August.

After contacting local firms to find £3,000 to fund the cost of the return flight to play, digital marketing firm Smarter Media stepped up and contributed £500.

Operations director Rob Curtis said: “Abby’s achievement is to be admired – we are all quite sporty in our office and I was impressed by her persistence and passion for her sport.

"We’ve donated £500 towards her trip and we will be keeping in touch to see how it goes. We’re proud to support someone who is out there putting Swindon on the map.”

Abby, who is 20, said: “I’m delighted and honoured to have been selected as one of 13 girls to represent England U21 in the Indoor Netball World Cup in my chosen sport, it’s an achievement.

"It’s been a lot of hard work but I am thankful to all those who’ve supported me along the way, especially Smarter Media – this company didn’t know me yet have not hesitated in taking me under their wing.”

All sponsorship and donations will pay towards the costs of flights, accommodation and travel, as well supporting Abby’s many preparation training sessions and weekend camps leading up to the event.

To find out more about Abby visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/abby039s-journey-to-indoor-netball-world-cup