A TEENAGER is celebrating after he won a regional archery award seven months after he first picked up a bow and arrow.
Matthew Mason, 15, of Gilesgate, Durham City, beat off competition to become the Under 18 Junior Novice Champion in the Durham and Northumberland Archery Association contest.
His father, Bob, said: “It is an outstanding achievement for Matthew. He has only been doing it for seven months and has come on in leaps and bounds.
“He has some learning difficulties at school and has had a rough time over the last couple of years.
“I am so happy he has achieved something. He goes to training two to three times a week without fail and is really dedicated to the sport.”
Matthew is a member of the St Giles Archers and has been trained by club coaches Matthew Lumsden and Bruce Tinkler.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted.
Archery has given me something to focus on.”
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