SPRINTING sensation Thomas Somers is on the road to athletics success.

The 16-year-old City of York Athletic Club ace has been selected for the British Athletics Futures Programme, which aims to identify the next generation of champions.

Yearsley-based Somers, a pupil at Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate, near York, will be given financial and medical support as part of the scheme.

His father, Alan Somers, said the family were delighted by the significant development in his son’s athletics career.

“We are really proud of Thomas’ achievements so far and excited about what the future may bring if he trains hard and stays injury free,” he said.

The former Easingwold School student, recently won the 200 metres title in the England Under-17s Athletics Championships.

That followed his fourth-placed finish in the final of the 200m at the World Youth Championships in Ukraine in July.

The teenager, who also excels at rugby union, is regarded by British Athletics as having the potential to be selected onto its World Class Performance Programme, leading to World Championship and Olympic recognition.

Jo Jennings, British Athletics development manager, said: “The aim of the Futures Programme is to support the next generation of champions and their coaches.

“The programme will help athletes follow in the footsteps of previous Future athletes such as Dina Asher-Smith, who last year was on this programme and now is a World Championships bronze medallist.”