A TEENAGER from Worcester has been selected to represent Great Britain in an international competition.

Alex Lloyd, 13, will compete at the Paris Challenge Marathon after achieving UK number one ranking at the under 15s level, two years above his age group.

Around 300 fencers will take part in the competition at the Halle Carpentier next February.

The Sinton Green youngster started fencing at the age of seven and was initially coached by Worcester’s John Harding, who he cites as a major influence.

Lloyd now trains in London once a week at Britain’s top coaching centre Sussex House and with the Great Britain Olympic fast track team.

He is working towards his goal of competing for Great Britain at the World Championships in 2011.

In 2008, Lloyd was awarded funding from Sport Worcester, a grant-giving group which helps to support elite-level athletes financially.

His grant bought the equipment used to win the English Youth Under 13s Championships in July and to compete at the British Youth Championships in February.

Liam Hughes, sport development officer at Worcester City Council, said: “Alex is consistently demonstrating his potential to reach the highest levels of competition in fencing. I look forward to one day seeing him on the world stage.”

Lloyd is keen to raise the bar high for his younger sister Sasha, 11, who won the Millfield Challenge Cup for her age group.

Hughes added: “It’s incredible to have two individuals from the same family who are both demonstrating the potential to compete in the elite arena.

“It is fantastic that the support from their parents and schools contributes so much to helping them get the enjoyment and reward for their efforts.”