A Runshaw College roller hockey star is preparing to compete in the British Inline Skater Hockey Association National Championships this weekend.
Niall Thomas, 17, plays inline hockey for Wigan Warlords in a sport which is essentially ice hockey but on inline skates, played out on a hockey rink.
Since taking up the sport at the age of four Niall has played the sport in Canada, Germany and France and been a national and regional champion at U12, U14, U15 and U16 levels.
However there is still one honour that eludes the teenager.
He said: "I really want to push myself to get a place in the Great Britain inline hockey team.
"Last year I was first reserve for the GB team after Wigan had finished runners-up in the Puck Association National Championships.
"The coaches use the nationals as a chance to look at the players and to see who they should pick for the GB squad. Some of my team-mates made the squad and I didn't which was a bit annoying so I want to use the nationals to put my hand up to be picked."
Along with his Wigan Warlords team-mates, the Leyland student is heading for a domestic double after winning the British Inline Puck Hockey Association National Championship at U16 level in July.
Niall admits they have a tough route to the final.
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