ANNA Mayes has been appointed full-time England coach after guiding the national side to the World Netball Series title recently.

England secured the title with a 33-26 victory over New Zealand at the Echo Arena, giving them the perfect platform on which to build as they begin their journey towards the 2015 World Netball Championships in Sydney.

Mayes, from Swindon, had been in charge on an interim basis but was this week handed the reins full time.

“It’s an absolute honour and privilege to be part of this exciting coaching team, and to have this opportunity to build on the experiences I have had,” she said.

“I’m extremely happy and delighted to embark on such a magnificent journey with such a talented and hard-working bunch of players and support staff.

“One of my dreams and aspirations has already come true in taking this job, let’s hope another comes true in less than four years’ time.”

Mayes began her netball career playing for Swindon-based Lawn Netball Club before representing Hucclecote and Team Bath and later Wales.

She was named assistant England coach last year before taking sole charge of the national team on an interim basis earlier this year.

As the new four year cycle begins, Maggie Jackson also joins the team as head of elite coach development.

Mayes and Jackson will link up with the already appointed Colette Thomson (under 21 and development coach) and Jan Crabtree (national excel coach), to complete the England coaching team.

England Netball chairman, Cheryl Danson OBE, hopes that the new setup will continue the progress of recent years.

“We are thrilled that Anna will take on the role of head coach as England continues to strive to become number one in the world,” she said.

“It is excellent that a coach who is already familiar amongst the national squad will be able to work alongside a team of specialist coaches, with the aim of winning the World Netball Championships in Sydney in 2015.”