Lincoln City Ladies are pleased to announce that England goalkeeper Kay Hawke has extended her contract with the Lady Imps for another season.

The Ladies' chairman Geoff Adams and first team coach Sam Willett made the trip across the Pennines to witness Hawke, who works as a teacher in Hyde, put pen-to-paper for the 2008/09 season.

Hawke joined the Lady Imps from National Division Blackburn Rovers at the beginning of last season and chairman Adams was delighted that she has extended her contract.

"We are absolutely over the moon to capture the signing of Kay for another season," he said.

"It's my opinion she is the finest 'keeper in the country at the moment, and if I'm honest I thought we might lose her after just missing out on promotion to the National Division last season.

"I know National Division clubs have approached her even though she was still under contract to us, and it has taken a mighty effort to fend them off during the closed season. Therefore I think her signing for us this coming season is an even bigger coup for us than it was last season.

"I have no doubt in my mind that the signing of this world-class goalkeeper for next season has massively increased our chances of achieving our holy grail of promotion to the top flight of women's football."

Hawke, who made her full England debut in February against Norway and played a large part in City's run to the semi-finals of the FA Women's Cup last season, said she was looking forward to another campaign with the Lady Imps.

"I really like the club and all the people at the club," she said.

"I thoroughly enjoyed playing for Lincoln last season and feel that this is a club that is moving in the right direction. Also, I just love Lincoln as a place. It's pretty and quiet and I always love it when I am there.

"I was never really going to sign for anyone else this season."