PADDLING prospect Simon Williams has been handed a chance on the international stage in France next month.

Williams, aged 15, has been selected for the British Canoe Union Junior Development Regatta in Saint Laurent-Blangy on January 28 and 29.

The Worcester Canoe Club member competes in the K1 sprint discipline and will be tested over either 200, 500 or 1,000-metres.

Williams was spotted by British selectors racing for Worcester at an event in Nottingham and also while training with fellow paddlers in Reading.

Having only been involved in the sport for three years and racing for the last two, it is major recognition for the ambitious Bishop Perowne Church of England Performing Arts College pupil.

He said: “It’s my first trip internationally so it will be good because I can show the national selectors what I can do. It’s a chance to get my name known so hopefully it will be really important for my career.

“My ultimate goal would be the Olympics but that won’t be for a long time, probably 2020. I just want to make as many trips as I can and get in the Great Britain team. It would be amazing to represent my country.”

Williams trains up to nine times a week, all year round, at the club’s Grandstand Road base under the tutelage of coach Nick Fowler.