Fencer Sara Green has been picked to represent Great Britain in Germany early next year.

The 14-year-old Southend High School pupil is set to fly out to the country's former capital Bonn on the weekend of January 12/13 to take part in the first cadet foreign competition.

And the invitation caps a remarkable year for Sara, who suffered a badly broken leg during a skiing accident in France nine months ago.

The youngster's mum, Claire, explained: "Sara was out of action for six months and has made an excellent recovery.

"She broke her leg in April and had to spend six weeks in plaster. Sara couldn't put foot to floor for 12 weeks and it was a very frustrating time for her.

"But she has shown great strength and fortitude to battle back to fitness and this invite to Germany is the perfect reward for her bravery."

Sara recently travelled to Cardiff to compete in national competition and retained her place in the ladies' under-17 fencing top 16.

But the youngster needs financial help to make her trip to Germany and is looking for sponsors.

It will cost £250 for Sarah to compete in Bonn and anybody who can help meet these costs should call 01702 613491.

Published Thursday November 29, 2001