YOUNG hockey players from Lytham have returned from the Caribbean with a string of victories to their name.

A three-week stay in Barbados brought five wins in six games for the senior team from King Edward VII and Queen Mary School, Lytham.

The opening fixture against the island's top school, Combermere, set the tone as Lytham defied 80 degrees of heat to record a hard fought 3-2 win. England international Vicky Turner (2) and winger Oona Cassidy were the Lytham scorers.

Wins against Barbados YMCA, Springer School and Pickwick Sports followed with captain Kerry Hunt and young goalkeeper Kim Mayor putting in significant performances.

Geography teacher Judith Cooper, who accompanied the trip, felt that the determination of the squad enabled them to overcome the loss of Vicky Turner with a badly cut knee.

"Our younger players, such as Natalie Gill and Clare Roberts, really came to the fore," she said. "The Astroturf pitch at the Barbados national stadium was an ideal venue and we finished on a high with a 6-2 win over a Barbados All Stars eleven."

The 14 girls in the party will now come under the coaching guidance of England Under-16 team manager Kay Hanham who starts as Head of Girls PE at King Edward and Queen Mary School this September.

Pictured here are the 14 young hockeys stars with teacher Judith Cooper (centre).