A DARLINGTON college student is back at his studies after competing in the finals of a national bowls competition.

Martin Whitfield, aged 17, is a second year student at Queen Elizabeth sixth form college. He played alongside Ian Serginsson in the pairs competition.

After winning the Cleveland title, they met 13 other county champion pairs in the knock-out contest in Skegness.

The pair were knocked out in the first round, but were still delighted at the experience of competing at such a high level.

Martin started playing five years ago with his father and has since become a serious, skilled player.

He trains once a week and plays at least three games a week at the Kvaerner Club in Stockton, where he is a member.

On the eve of the competition, he said: "I've been in a number of county finals, but it's the first time I've been in a national championships. Ian and I are an unknown package and we've nothing to lose."

Currently studying A-levels in law, computing and business studies, Martin hopes to go to Northumbria University, Newcastle, next year.