A TEENAGE table tennis player’s photograph will cover hundreds of billboards across the UK.

Lauren James, 18, of Highwoods, Colchester, has been picked to be part of a Sport England campaign to encourage women to work up a sweat.

She landed the spot in the advertising campaign after her talent impressed the organisation.

Lauren, who plays for Rowhedge table tennis club, said: “It think it is going to beabit surreal.

“It would be nice to make girls want to play sport and not feel self conscious about it anymore.”

The campaign, This Girl Can, features girls taking part in sports and is aimed at celebrating women and inspiring them to get active.

The billboard posters feature women of all shapes, sizes and sporting abilities, who proudly sweat as they enjoyarange of sports.

One of the 3,400 billboards will go on the A134 through Great Horkesley.

The former Gilberd School pupil was asked to send campaign organisers a video of herself talking about her enthusiasm for table tennis.

The 20-second clip was filmed on her mobile phone.

Lauren’s efforts impressed and soon after, campaign organisers descended on Rowhedge Village Hall where she took part inaphoto shoot.

Lauren, who has has played in Essex ranking tournaments since she wasayoungster and who has won a number of trophies, showed off her skills for the cameras.

She added: “Most of the time I’m playing against boys and sometimes I worry they underestimate my ability or assume I’m an easier opponent because I’m a girl.

“But once I’m in a match, it’s just about the table tennis and nothing else, plus I often beat them anyway.

“I know some girls can be self-conscious about their appearance, but now, as long as I’m happy and comfortable, whatIlook like doesn’t cross my mind – I’m completely focussed on playing.

“I’ve realised it doesn’t matter what you look like or whether you’re good or bad at table tennis, the important thing is just giving it a go.”

Lauren has completed a hospitality course at Colchester Institute and is due to startafull-time job as a receptionist for Colchester United soon.

To find out more information, visit thisgirlcan.co.uk