LOCKDOWN hasn't stopped one of the North-East's top badminton talents from training

Hexham teenager Charlotte Graham is keeping herself in top physical condition for when the badminton season resumes.

With the badminton centres closed, Charlotte has been focusing her training on stamina, with running and cycling, but also taking advantage of recent fine weather, with some outdoor badminton.

Looking forward to a resumption of the season, hopefully in the not too distant future, she is looking to build on early season successes and continuing to climb the national rankings. She has reached the top 20 in doubles and mixed doubles female players at U16 and she is heading in the same direction in the singles.

Charlotte is also looking forward to the resumption of play in the adult Northumberland Badminton Association (NBA) leagues.

Only one fixture was remaining in the Ladies' A Division before the lockdown: Charlotte's Elmfield A against Jesmond Dene. Victory would secure promotion to the prestigious Women's NBA Premier League.

Also, in the NBA Mixed Doubles League 'C' Division, Charlotte's Elmfield C have already gained promotion to Division B, Charlotte and her partner with results of 19 wins and two losses throughout the season.

Charlotte said: "It's frustrating not being on court, but I've been keeping busy with school work and training as much as I can.

"I'm eager to get back on court with my friends and competing on the junior national circuit again.

"I'm also looking to close the season with Elmfield Ladies and helping us hopefully win promotion to the Premier League.

"I know that will be a really high standard of play if we get there by winning that last match, but I'm looking forward to the challenge of playing against the top women in the region.

"Playing outdoor badminton has been fun, as long as there's no wind, but I don't think my dad has appreciated my smashes very much."