A SHARP shooter from Alcester has returned from representing his country during the World Championships in Cyprus.

Stephen Shirley, 16, was picked to represent Great Britain in the double trap clay pigeon category of the International Shooting Sport Federation World Championships held last month.

"I wanted an air-rifle when I was 10 and my mum said she would only buy one if I went to a shooting club. It's just gone from there," he said.

"The championships were absolutely brilliant. It didn't really sink in that I was at the World Championships until it was actually over."

Stephen came joint eighth in the competition and wants to be ready to play at the 2012 Olympics in London.

His mum Susan said: "I'm very proud. It's been a lot of hard work. My husband has taken him around the country to shoot and Steven's school, Alcester High, has kindly given him time off when he's needed it."