MICHELLE Hey will carry Warrington's hopes into karate's European Junior Championships.

Cheshire Martial Arts Centre's 17-year-old ace will be representing England for the first time when the competition gets underway in Cyprus on February 10.

But she will be departing to the sunnier climes of the holiday hot spot for pre-Championships training on Tuesday with her coach Paul Graham.

Michelle will be competing in the kata section, which is patterned movements, in the 16 to under 18 category and for her it will be no holiday.

Graham said: "Michelle has competed for England at Association level before but not at full international level and this will be entirely different for her.

"The competition will be extremely tough, the standard will be very high. But Michelle has a great attitude and her focus is brilliant. Her karate ability is excellent.

"She would not have been selected if she was not the best in the country and if she is on top form she has a medal chance."

The Spanish, French and Italian squads will provide strong competition for Michelle, who gained her selection by winning the English and British Championships during 2000.

Michelle is a contender in Warrington Sports Personality's Young Award category at tomorrow's, Friday's show at Daresbury Park Hotel.