AN up-and-coming canoeist from Sherburn-in-Elmet is targeting future Olympics after being picked for England and the Great Britain Super Regional squad.

For the last four years, 14-year-old Chester Softley has been competing in white water canoe slalom, which involves racing down white water rapids and navigating through gates in the fastest possible time.

As such, he spends most weekends travelling up and down the country attending races, while he trains during the week with his GB coach at the National White Water Centres in Nottingham and at Tees Barrage in Stockton-On-Tees.

He has been helped by sponsorship from Persimmon Homes Yorkshire, which will also allow him to attend a GB training Camp in Prague, in the Czech Republic, later this year, which will include racing at the Troja White Water Centre.

Softley said: “I’m so passionate about canoe slalom. It’s a fantastic sport to be part of.

"I already compete in three canoe slalom disciplines the K1, C1 and C2 and I am delighted to have recently been selected to represent England with my C2 partner Sean Waine.

“Both my family and I are very grateful to Persimmon. Their support will help me to continue in the sport I love and help me to achieve my ultimate goal of representing Great Britain in the Olympics, putting Sherburn-In-Elmet on the sporting map.”

Simon Usher, managing director at Persimmon Homes Yorkshire, said: “We believe Chester’s dedication and determination will help him to succeed. We wish him every success representing England and we are very happy to support a potential future GB star.”