DESPITE being only 12-years-old Herefordshire shooter Thomas Betts has helped Great Britain win a junior team bronze at the European Championships.

The Weobley High School student who only started the sport three years ago was the youngest competitor in the under-21 age category, but was delighted to come away from Italy with a bronze medal.

The Betts family, from Broxwood near Lyonshall, are no strangers to the sport with father Lee also competing in the individual championship finishing 36th in his class.

After qualifying for the squad earlier this year Thomas was selected for the squad alongside Olympic bronze medalist Edward Ling.

"He has done so well considering his age which makes it so much more impressive," said his sister Laura Betts.

"Thomas got into the sport through our dad. He qualified for the tournament one-and-a-half months ago very unexpectedly as he just went to the qualifier to gain more experience'

"He was over the moon to realise that he had the chance to go as it would be his first time abroad. We would like to thank the GB Team for their support."

Thomas was taught under the guidance of his dad Lee.

Laura added: "The sport has always been in our family and our dad has been a huge role model and is a fantastic father and coach.

"The whole family are so unbelievably proud of his achievement. Tom is already looking forward to doing more competitions and also aiming to get back into the GB Team.

"His little dreams are coming true."