A Downend schoolgirl's dream of playing football for England is one step closer after she was selected for Arsenal Ladies.

Hannah Short, 16, a pupil at Downend School, found out she had made the football academy while in the middle of her GCSE exams.

She will start intensive pre-season training in August.

Hannah, who lives in Benford Close, started playing football when she was just five-years-old. Her mum, Jane Short, 43, said: "I tried to take her tap-dancing but she would only go if she was allowed to wear her football kit. She always wanted to play. She lives, eats and breathes football and she is so passionate about it. I'm very proud that she has been selected."

Football seems to run in the Short family, as Hannah's sister Connie, 17, has also played at England camps. Both girls currently play for Bristol Academy but there was a division of loyalty in early years.

"Before the teams amalgamated Hannah played for Bristol Rovers and Connie played for City but they get on so well," said Ms Short. "It's great that they play for the same team now.

"Their brother Lewis, 18, takes all the credit. He used to take them out to play in the garden and so he says it's all thanks to him."

Hannah, who trains about four times a week, has captained Downend School's girls' football team for the past five years. The team have won three county cups and reached two National Cup quarter finals. Hannah has also attended England trials and has been on standby for the England under-16 team.

Her dream of playing for Arsenal came true when she was invited to a trial in May. There, she trained and played a friendly match, and soon after received an email from the coach saying she had won a place.

She said: "After the trial I didn't think I had got in so it was a real shock. I am really excited at the prospect of playing for such a high-profile team. To play for Arsenal is a dream come true, but now the hard work begins. My ambition is to become a regular first team player and then perhaps one day play for England."

Once her GCSEs are out of the way, Hannah hopes to find a summer job to help pay for the academy's £6,000-a-year fees. She will then make the move to London where she will study sports science while she plays football.

"We're looking at funding for the fees and the school is being very supportive," added Ms Short. "It's very expensive but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Lawrence Dorman, PE teacher at the school, said: "Hannah has displayed superb leadership qualities and outstanding football ability. We are really proud of her and hope she will achieve great success."