A schoolboy from Linton is celebrating after winning a bronze medal at a national waterskiing event. Fourteen-year-old Alex Pett, a pupil at Linton Village College, was absolutely delighted with his performance last Saturday. He said: It was such a sur

A schoolboy from Linton is celebrating after winning a bronze medal at a national waterskiing event.

Fourteen-year-old Alex Pett, a pupil at Linton Village College, was "absolutely delighted" with his performance last Saturday. He said: "It was such a surprise; I couldn't believe I had done so well. It's a real accomplishment."

He competed in the British National Under-14s Waterski Slalom Championship held at Gosfield Lake Waterski Club.

In only his second competition, it was a "remarkable achievement" for him to make it to the final, said his dad David Pett. "Alex has worked really hard and has earned his success. He really deserves his medal.

"The weather on Saturday made the conditions for waterskiing extremely difficult, but he did very well. It is unusual for a debutant to get into a medal position."

Alex has been waterskiing since he was 10 when he took up the hobby on a family holiday. Having got the bug for the sport, he now waterskis three or four times a week.

Mr Pett believes that his son's motivation to compete comes from "wanting to beat his dad."

As a member of the waterski club, Alex gets "huge encouragement" from everyone involved, and he draws inspiration from club owner and head coach, Vince Turp, who is also a former national champion.

Mr Turp said: "It is a fantastic achievement. He comes from a family of waterskiers but he has done this all off his own back, his dedication is second to none.