Young bowler to star in Blue Peter

12:28pm Wednesday 14th January 2009

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A teenage ten pin bowler is preparing to send skittles spinning on national television after she was asked to teach a Blue Peter presenter how to bowl.

Bethany Hedley, a Year 10 student at Rickmansworth School, will appear on the legendary childrens' television programme later this month.

“I am really excited but I just keep thinking 'oh my gosh, I hope I am not going to make a fool of myself on national television'.”

But before the 14-year-old takes to our screens, film crews will take over half the Hollywood Bowl, in Garston, early on Saturday morning to film Beth's lesson.

And her imminent appearance on the BBC has certainly got her classmates talking.

Beth said: “They keep saying when is it going to be on.

“They think it is really good I am getting publicity, but I am a bit nervous.

“I start talking really loudly when I am nervous and go a bit 'Essex'

“I am really excited but I just keep thinking 'oh my gosh, I hope I am not going to make a fool of myself on national television'.”

On Saturday, Beth, who has represented England in her age range across Europe, will have to teach Blue Peter presenter Andy Akinwolere how to bowl the perfect ball.

Then, on Sunday, she will be joined by her fellow members of the NAYBC Academy, a national training centre, as her team goes head-to-head with Andy's.

Despite understandable nerves, it is not Beth's first appearance on television.

“When I was younger I was in Silent Witness.

“They came to film at my school and there were about ten of us who were picked from my year and we all had to pretend we were ill.”

She has also been “seen” on the Disney Channel, but says watching herself on television this time will be a different matter.

Beth, whose best score is 279, added: said: “I will be sat their with a pillow in front of my eyes.

“It is going to be really strange seeing myself on the TV and I'm sure my mum will be recording it.

“But it is going to be fun, lots of my really good friends are going to be in it so it will be really good.”

Beth has been playing the sport since she was six years old and is now rated among the best young bowlers the country.

In July, she returned from the World Sports Festival, in Austria, with a gold medal, and in August she represented England against Wales and Scotland.

Beth's mum, Sandy, who is secretary of the Watford Youth Bowling Club, says she is “delighted” her daughter's talent is getting recognised.

For Jason Bird, manager of the Hollywood Bowl, however, the arrival of film crews means an early start.

“I'm going to be here extra early because we need to get the lanes cleaned and hoovered and everything sorted out.”

Beth's television appearance will be aired on Blue Peter on Wednesday, January 28.

Beth's bowling tips: -

1. Choose a ball you feel comfortable with.

2. Always bend your knees.

3. Release the ball at the bottom of your swing.

4. Always watch the ball as it goes down the alley to see which way it swerves.

5. Always follow through with your swing.

6. Enjoy yourself.