A SAWTRY roller-blader is gearing up to represent Great Britain in a world-wide competition in America. Matt Ford, 18, will represent GB after finishing in the top 10 at a national qualifying tournament in Liverpool and is now preparing to fly out to Dall

A SAWTRY roller-blader is gearing up to represent Great Britain in a world-wide competition in America.

Matt Ford, 18, will represent GB after finishing in the top 10 at a national qualifying tournament in Liverpool and is now preparing to fly out to Dallas, Texas, for the LG Action Sports World Tour.

Matt, who has been skating since he was 13, said: "I started skating just because it was something to do. Then I got more and more into it and started travelling up to Peterborough two or three times a week to use the skate ramp there.

"Then it went to the next level and I was travelling around the UK competing in national events."

Following his inclusion in the GB team, he added: "I didn't really expect to make it as there were a lot of good skaters there but I ended up finishing eighth. I was really surprised and very, very happy."

Picture: HELEN DRAKE