DIVING demon Chris-topher Farrow is hoping to jump for joy again this month as he bids for a second Benelux boost in succession.

The nine-year-old, formerly of Kirkbymoorside, won international gold and silver in Belgium at the end of last year, taking first place on the three-metre board and second place on the one-metre board in an international competition in Genk.

Now, the ex-Kirkbymoorside County Primary School pupil will bid for more glory at a tournament in Eindhoven, in the Netherlands.

It won't be easy for the youngster, however, as he is set to make the step up from nine-and-under level to under-11s for the competition on January 31.

Farrow, who represents Southampton Diving Academy after his family moved to the South coast two-and-a-half years ago, already has National Novice gold and silver medals to his name following his performances at Cheltenham and Harrogate, respectively, and enjoyed victory eight times in inter-club competitions last year.

His mum Alison, originally from Pickering, said: "His ambition is to become a Great Britain Olympic diver like Peter Waterfield, who is also based in Southampton."

His family still have strong connections in Ryedale and visited relations in the area over Christmas.

Alison added: "When he came to Harrogate for the National Novice tournament he made sure he went to visit his old school friends."

Updated: 12:17 Friday, January 11, 2002