CHRISTINE Hodder is celebrating a very special silver anniversary.

The sharp-shooting Chickerell archer has been selected to represent Dorset and Wiltshire for an incredible 25th year running.

First picked in 1980, the 60-year-old former county number one puts her success down to 'hard work and luck'.

She explained: "It's a great honour to represent your county and I consider myself very fortunate to have been selected 25 years in succession. Obviously I've had to practise hard to achieve the qualifying standards each year but I've been lucky in terms of staying injury free and always being available for selection.

"Archery is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and I first became interested when we, as a family, decided to give it a go. The interest has grown from there and it's great because my husband Roy was also picked for the Dorset and Wilts team this year.

"For a long time I shot a recourse bow but for the last three years I've been using a compound. It might be that I'll have to switch to a long bow in the future."

She added: "But as long as I'm able and fit enough to shoot, I'll keep going and hopefully I can achieve a few more county call-ups along the way."

In recognition of Christine's amazing achievement, the Weymouth-based Osprey Archers' Club member has been presented with a special trophy by Dorset and Wiltshire Archery Association president, Keith Calder.

Osprey's Dave Whiddett said: "Christine is well deserving of this award. She has made a huge contribution to archery over the years. The numbers that have attended her coaching sessions must have totalled some 700 by now and they are fully booked up until March 2005.

"She is one of those busy people, always willing to help and is a fantastic example and inspiration to the youngsters. With husband Roy, Christine is heavily involved in the club and spends hundreds of hours every year in supporting Osprey Archers events and we thank her for her dedication and commitment.

"Earlier this year, the Osprey Archers awarded her life membership of the club in recognition of her tremendous contribution and we congratulate her on 25 years of Dorset and Wilts selection."

Christine, who is currently ranked number two lady in Dorset, and Roy, were joined by fellow Osprey members Mike Beare, Andy Macklin and Dave Whiddett in the 24-strong Dorset and Wilts side

that shot in this year's regional championships.