AN electrical engineering student at a Worcester college is preparing for a trip to Australia to represent the UK in the unusual sport of streetluging.

Will Stephenson, a first year electric and electronic engineering student at Worcester College of Technology, has been competing in the sport of streetluging since the age of 16.

Streetluging is an upcoming sporting event that involves the participant lying on their back and racing on a luge (a customised board on wheels).

Tours and competitions are held every year. Mr Stephenson, aged 20, came second in the UK national competition last year and 16th in the world championships in Switzerland. He is the only UK streetluger travelling to Australia in March for the country's first streetluger race.

"I'm really looking forward to competing in Australia," said Mr Stephenson, from Clifton upon Teme. "I'm hoping to come in the top three."

As well as competing in Australia this year Mr Stephenson, who is currently number one in the UK, fifth in Europe and ninth worldwide, is travelling to various countries in Europe and South Africa to compete throughout the year.

"It's a really exhilarating sport," he said. "I started when I was about 14 by lying on my skateboard. I didn't know it was a huge sport at the time until I went on the internet and met lots of people involved.

"It is really big now and is gaining in popularity all over the country."

Worcester College of Technology is sponsoring Mr Stephenson to the tune of £400 towards the trip.

The college has sponsored him for the past two years.

Principal Chris Morecroft said: "The college would like to wish Will all the success in his upcoming competitions and are confident he will do very well."