ATHLETICS: Hurdling hero James Parsons heads to the English Schools Championships at Sheffield this weekend to represent Worcestershire.

The 14-year-old from Bliss Gate will be competing in the 80m hurdles after recording a time of 12.2 seconds in the Mason Trophy at Birchfield Harriers to win the A race against strong opposition.

County champion Parsons equalled the record for his age group at Worcester Royal Grammar School and qualified for the national event, despite finishing just outside the qualifying time.

His mother Fiona said: "James only started doing the hurdles this year and found he liked it. He's excited and it really hasn't hit him how well he has done.

"It will be a challenge in Sheffield and he is going for the experience."