A SPRINTER from Redcar has struck gold three times at the under-17 Disability Sport England Championships in Blackpool.

Sixteen-year-old Lee Hunter, of Kirkleatham Lane, took gold in the 100m and 200m in the competition last summer. This year, he returned to break his personal best in 100m, set a championship record in the 200m and knocked another two seconds off his 400m best.

He also took silvers in the 4 x 100m and 4 x 400m relays.

Lee's father, Tony, said: "His results have been fantastic and they're due to the tremendous effort he has made. He trains at least four times a week and it takes a big commitment from all the family. But it's really paid dividends.

"It's amazing how far he's come and we hope he'll continue to go further to international level."

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's sports development officer, Neil Young, said: "A year ago, Lee had never raced competitively. To look back on these 12 months and see what he has achieved is absolutely unbelievable. We're so proud of him."

Lee is now gearing up for his next big meeting, the Cerebral Palsy National Championships at Nottingham in September.