Nikki Wadey has made her British debut in a sport she had never previously played.

The 15-year-old from Southwick represented Great Britain in the European Softball Championships in Holland after 'playing around' inside the diamond used by Brighton Buccaneers at Waterhall.

The Blatchington Mill pupil was spotted by Buccs coach Mike Graham and recommended for international under-19s honours.

She said: "I was pretty shocked. I was just playing with some friends and throwing the ball when a coach came up to me and said that he felt I could play for Britain and was going to suggest I was included in the squad.

"I couldn't believe it. I guess he must have felt I had a good arm for throwing.

"I'd never played before and wasn't even a member of the club my cousin Craig (Savage) and my dad coaches. Or any club for that matter.

"But I thought I'd give it a go when I was selected as part of the first squad to take part in the Europeans."

Unfortunately, Britain's girls team were tenth out of ten and Nikki, a right outfielder, got a bump on the head.

Nikki said: "The pitcher threw the ball and I must have frozen for about two minutes and it hit the ball hit me on the head.

"I felt really sick and had headaches for two days so couldn't play.

"It was a great experience and we all got on well and I made some new friends.

"Britain might have been last but we had two very close matches and the boys team won a fairplay award.

"I'll still be young enough to compete in the next Europeans in two years time and I might just give it another go."