YOUNG Table tennis star Charlotte Bardsley will be boosted by home advantage as she takes on the cream of Europe at a major international tournament next month.

The 15-year-old Stourbridge athlete lines up in the Cadet (under-15) girls’ category at the Europe Youth Top 10 in Worcester from September 8 to10.

The event sees the top 10 in the European rankings play each other in a round-robin format, with the champion being the athlete who records most victories.

Bardsley has been awarded a host nation place – though at No 15 in the rankings, she was close to qualifying by rights.

Bardsley, who attends Heathfield School in Kidderminster, said: “I’m really excited for the competition. It’s a great opportunity and I think I’ve got a good chance.

“I was 15th in the rankings so it shows I'm there or thereabouts and hopefully I can prove something.

“It’s great that it’s in England because you’ve got all the support behind you and it’s in my home city, so it will be great if I can do well.”

Tickets for the event at Worcester Arena are on sale, starting from £3, via www.tabletennisengland.co.uk/tickets