A TALENTED schoolboy has taken his first step towards his dream of representing Great Britain at the 2024 Olympics.

Alex Body, a Year 10 pupil at the Appleton School in Croft Road, Benfleet, is celebrating after being offered a place at the prestigious Southern Great Britain Archery Academy at Harpbury College in Gloucestershire.

The gifted youngster, who first took up the bow and arrow aged five, is currently ranked number one in Essex and is part of the Essex county team.

In 2011 he became national champion andthisyear, for the third consecutive year, he was awarded the Essex County Target Champion –afeat which has not been achieved in almost 50 years of the competition being held. The move to the academy will mean the young athlete will stay at the campus and train and work with top coaches from the GB Olympics archery team.

Jeff Banks, assistant headteacher at the Appleton School, said: “We are immensely proud of Alex. He is a fantastic role model to all his peers. The drive and dedication he demonstrates towards his goal of representing Great Britain at the Olympics in 2024 is matched by his tremendous work ethic in the classroom.

“Asaschool, we inspire every individual who attends the Appleton School and achievements like Alex’s will hopefully serve to inspire future generations. We wish Alex the very best in the pursuit of his ultimate goal.”