A Hexham badminton player is looking ahead to a busy year of action after having her last year of planned competitions halted due to the coronaviurs pandemic.

Charlotte Graham, who plays the sport for both Northumberland and her club Elmfield BC, is looking forward to returning to action over the next few months as competitions start to return following their one year break.

“I’m very much looking forward to playing in tournaments again,” said Charlotte.

“I know it’s been a tough time for so many and I feel fortunate to remain healthy.

“It’s been a long wait and I’ve really missed competing, nationally as a junior and also with and against adults in the NBA leagues.”

Before the pandemic, teenager Charlotte was fast becoming one of the leading lights in junior Badminton and was a regular name in competitions around the country.

However the 15-year-old, as like with her other competitors, has been forced to miss out on vital match practice and training sessions on the court, and she went on to add that she can’t wait to finally return to action.

“The Northumberland junior squad have been back training for a few weeks now and we’re all hoping that the restrictions continue to ease so we can get back on the circuit,” she added.

“We’ve been told that a new season will start in September, so I’m building up my match fitness to be ready for a very busy autumn.”

Charlotte has planned this year to take in new challenges as she returns to action and is also planning a move up the ranking leaderboards in three disciplines within the sport.

She currently sits as No.13 at Under 17 level in the female mixed doubles rankings and before lockdown also made the top 20 in the Girls’ Doubles rankings.

The youngster has therefore set herself the target of climbing further up the rankings when she returns to action later this year and hopes to make the top 10 in all three of her disciplines.

Charlotte is also hoping to compete at the English National Junior Championships later this year as well, as long as the restrictions surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic allow the event to go ahead.