A TEENAGE paddler marked his first British Canoe Union call-up with a medal in France.

William Bird (pictured above) was the top under 15s competitor for Great Britain and took home a reward from St Laurent for finishing sixth in the main K1 final.

The 15-year-old flew to sixth in the first two-kilometre time trial when up against a field of 50 paddlers from across Europe.

In the 200m final, Worcester Canoe Club’s Bird had secured a place in the top six but was unable to improve upon his placing although he did enough overall to capture a medal.

However, the Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College pupil and his British coaches were delighted with the result in freezing conditions, which dipped to -5C.

Bird is improving on his times and looks set to win further call-ups from the selectors.

His next big event is in April when the teenager tackles the national club sprint regatta in Nottingham.

The categories are based on ability rather than age so Bird is likely to be up against older competitors.