TWO sixth form students have had the coveted call-up to play hockey for their country.

Goalkeeper Alana Mercer, 16, and centre-forward Hector Lyons, 17, will represent England in their respective age groups next month.

They will take on the likes Scotland, Wales and Ulster at the The Sainsbury's 2015 School Games in Manchester.

Over the four-day tournament, running from September 3 to 6, Hector, from Bishopstone, will play for one of three school boys teams.

"We're extremely proud of his achievements," the parents of the former Chafyn Grove, and now Warminster, pupil said.

"He's achieved this through sheer hard work and determination."

Damerham's Alana was England's 2014 under-16 keeper where she safeguarded her goal against Germany, Belgium, Holland and Spain.

Alana, who is staring her A-levels in a few weeks time, is hoping to impress at the games ahead of under-18s trials with a view to being selected for the 2016 side.

The Salisbury pair will be among 1,600 athletes competing across 12 sports, seven of which include disability competitions, at venues scattered across Manchester.