Matthew Allen, an 11-year-old junior member of The York Archers' Society has won his third major prize of the year.

He hit terrific form to win the Coventry Cup for the Indoor Junior Compound Shoot competition held at Portsmouth, scoring 509 out of a possible of 600.

Matthew, from Woodthorpe, joined The York Archers in 2002 and is already making a name for himself in the sport in only his first year of entering national competitions.

In the summer he won a silver coaster in the July National Junior Boys' under-12s competition with another impressive 566 score out of a possible 648.

And in October at Harrogate he won the National clout shoot under-12s championship.

Phil Gough, Novices' Officer at the club, said: "Young Matthew's achievements are very impressive for someone of his age.

"We could be looking at a talented youngster bound for top competitions to put York on the map in the archery world.

"At present we at the club are looking for sponsors to help us to upgrade our facilities for disabled children. We have three and would like to give wheelchair users the same chance in life as Matthew to take up a great sport."

Matthew's father Richard and sister Nichole, both keen archers, accompanied him to Portsmouth.

Updated: 10:42 Thursday, December 23, 2004