A player who represented England in the Women’s Rugby Union World Cup has been awarded the Freedom of Kirkbymoorside.

Tatyana Heard was born in Pisa, Italy and spent time in the USA because of her father’s time in the Army, before settling in the Ryedale town.

The 28-year-old started playing at Malton and Norton RUFC when she got tired of watching older brother Ali play from the sidelines so decided to get involved when she was 10.

She was first selected to play for England in 2018 and last year made four appearances during the World Cup for the Red Roses, including in the 34-31 defeat to New Zealand in the final.

At a ceremony in town mayor Cllr Jill Wells said it was a privilege and honoured to present Tatyana with the Freedom of Kirkbymoorside award.

Cllr Wells said: "I have kept abreast of Tatyana’s rugby exploits through various friends and family over the years from her first call up to represent England Seniors in November 2018 to again representing our country in the Rugby World Cup last autumn in New Zealand with the Red Roses.

"You couldn’t walk from one side of Kirkby to the other without people talking about the tournament and the fact we had “one of our own” in the final."

Cllr Wells said: "It made me think that perhaps as a town council we could do something to mark this marvellous achievement.

"The freedom of the city is an accolade that many bigger places bestow on the great and good, and so, after investigating this route we found we were able to award Freedom of the Town of Kirkbymoorside to Tatyana. Unfortunately, there are no grazing rights or keys associated with it, just our admiration of for her representing her country in rugby.

"As a former PE teacher, and avid sportsperson (back in the day) I so admire her determination and skill to represent your country in Rugby.

"Tatyana is an inspiration to every boy and girl in this town and country, but particularly to the girls; this girl can and this girl did.

" Let’s hope local schools and clubs will build on this momentum so that many more of our girls and boys can achieve their full potential.

"I was honoured therefore, to present Tatyana the title of Freeperson of Kirkbymoorside, our first and only award so far."