A teenager is calling on youngsters to take up the sport he loves - so he can finally have someone to compete against.

Neil Beauchamps, 15, of Beauchamps Drive, Wickford, took up clay pigeon shooting when he was 12.

He has already taken part in competitions all over the country, including the recent national championships where he finished a creditable 10th in the junior section.

Neil has also been selected to compete in the forthcoming regional championships in four categories: Down the line; Double Trap; ABT and Helise.

But closer to home, Beauchamps GM School student Neil regularly finds himself the only junior taking part in the Essex championships, and is desperate to see local youngsters coming through to take him on.

He said: "Under Essex Clay Pigeon Shooting Association rules, you can't win the trophy unless there are more than two people taking part.

"I really would like to see more people taking it up, if only to give me a bit more competition.

"I have been interested in guns since I was five, and have always wanted to shoot.

"Ultimately, I would like to try for the England team for the 2002 Commonwealth Games, but that's just a dream at the moment."

Clay pigeon shooting is far from cheap, with guns ranging from £1,825 to more than the cost of a new Porsche.

But Neil, who shoots at the Bush Hill club in Hanningfield, suggests that beginners can use the Yellow Pages to find clubs that rent out the guns and offer tuition.

CLAY APPEAL: Wickford youth Neil Beauchamps is eager to find some competition.

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