PROMISING hockey player Joe Braithwaite has taken a big step towards making it big in the sport by becoming one of only 70 people to win a place to study for a Diploma in Sporting Excellence with England Hockey.

The Giggleswick School sixth former will study the BTEC level 3 qualification alongside his A levels in maths, physics and geography.

The prestigious diploma, which attracted around 400 applicants, involves attending England Hockey headquarters at Loughborough on selected weekends and aims to provide a structured training and development route for high potential hockey players.

"I am delighted to been chosen for the course," said Braithwaite, who also now plays club and county level hockey.

"When I came to Giggleswick in year seven I had never played hockey before, but you're encouraged to have a go at everything here so I started going to hockey club."

His coach Max Helme said he was delighted at the news.

"The fact that he has been offered a place on the course is a great achievement and testament to his hockey playing talent and skills," said Mr Helme.

"We're looking forward to seeing him develop further and continue to excel in his sport."