A WIRRAL bowler will be pin it to win it this August when she flies the flag for Wirral at the World Youth Championships in Hong Kong.

Rachel Arthur, who honed her skills at Wallasey and Bromborough, has been selected as part of a four-strong squad to represent Team England in August.

The 21-year-old - who has just completed a degree in business at John Moore's University and works as a domestic supervisor at Arrowe Park Hospital - has spent the last four years training all over England to qualify for the honour and will spend more than four hours each day training in preparation for the competition.

A former student at Wirral Met, Rachel became the first of the year to hit a 300 game at Bromborough Bowl.

She will be accompanied on her trip to Hong Kong by proud dad Ray, who has been running Wirral's Junior League for more than 30 years.

Rachel, who began bowling at New Brighton, told the Globe she owes her success to her dad and to Wallasey Young Bowlers Club, advising any inspiring bowler to get in touch with the group and take part in their Saturday mornings sessions.

"It's just like any sport, it's all about dedication," she said.

"You can go as far as you want to go but you just have to work at it and train hard.

"When I'm bowling league, it isn't always serious - you can still have fun with it."

Before Rachel can travel to Honk Kong with Team England, she needs to raise £2,500 towards the costs.

She explained: "All of my bowling and travelling around the country and in Europe has all been self-funded.

"Unfortunately, because I'll be wearing official Team England clothes, I can't put advertising on it but I can and will when I'm taking part in competitions back home."

Anyone interested in sponsoring Rachel should email Ray at rayarthur773@aol.com