Colchester Harriers’ rising star Charlie Dobson says competing for Great Britain at next month’s the IAAF World Under-20 Championships will be “an amazing opportunity”.

The talented 18-year-old is part of the 40-strong British squad that will compete at the championships, which take place in Tampere, Finland, between July 10 and 15.

Dobson’s latest international call-up represents another milestone in the sprinter’s impressive progression – and the Colchester Sixth Form College student is naturally eager to impress.

He told the Daily Gazette: “I’m absolutely thrilled. This is an amazing opportunity to wear the GB vest again.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet but I can’t wait to see what our GB 4x100m relay team and I can do against rest of the world.

“I really can’t thank my current coach Steve (Garnham), my previous coach Paul Young and my squad enough for all the support and help they give me as well as Jordan Brown at the Ross Knevett Clinic for helping maintain my body against injuries. “I am incredibly excited but it’s just another competition.”

Dobson will go into the World Championships in confident mood, following his superb 200 metres victory for Great Britain at the Bauhaus Juniors Gala in Germany.

He won in an impressive time of 20.75 seconds, just outside his personal best (PB) at the event, which saw the world’s best young and aspiring athletes compete.

“It was very pleasing,” said Dobson, who also helped his A team win the 4x100m relay in Mannheim.

“The coach said that it was exactly what he had wanted from me.

“Managing my energy levels and keeping fit and hydrated comes with multiple competitions.

“It was very hot in Germany and it was 25 degrees in the run-up, so it was humid but fortunately outside, there were a lot of shaded areas.

“Once you’re there, you just tell yourself that it’s just another competition.

“It was my third appearance for Great Britain, so I’m getting used to it now.

“But it’s still just as much of an honour representing either Great Britain or England as it was the first time and it always will be.”

n Charlie is looking for sponsorship to help him with his progression – email sallymdobson@gmail.com