A north Wales schoolgirl once banned for playing football with the boys has turned the table on her critics and signed up with the Premiership's Manchester United.

Caroline Hulme hit the headlines four years ago when a rule on mixed teams temporarily banned her from continuing the sport she loved.

I'd say Caroline's as good a forward as you'll see in this league Mike Ryan Coach

The 16-year-old - known as Caz to her friends - fought the rule and continued playing with her male teamates.

Recently she has been hand picked by talent scouts for Manchester United.

"I was playing for Wales in a tournament in Aberystwyth - we played against Man United and I got a letter after asking if I'd like to join their team," she said.

The Denbigh High School student said she has always enjoyed playing football.

"I started playing football when I was little and I used to go to primary school, at dinner time I used to spend my time playing football," she said.

Every Monday evening, Caroline, who plays for Corwen ladies team on a Sunday, goes to the same training ground in Salford where the Manchester United squad practice.

She then turns out every Saturday for the team in the Lancashire league.

Caroline also plays for Corwen

Coach of the Under-16s squad Mike Ryan said Caroline is important for the team.

"I'd say Caroline's as good a forward as you'll see in this league," he said.

"She's got the ability on the ball and she's got strength and pace which is a great asset."

As she is already 16, Caroline will soon be too old to play for the team.

"I'm not sure what happens after this age group, I could probably go for trials for the older ones," she said.

"I'd like to play professionally for a top team," she added.