A PAIR of talented brothers from Thirsk have got off to a storming start as they attempt to further their sporting ambitions in the coming season.

Joseph and Alex Rafferty finished first and fifth respectively in the recent National English Schools Biathlon Championships at Rugby, where prizes were presented by Olympic pentathlon bronze medalist Kate Allenby.

Both swam personal bests before confirming their positions with fast runs in the freezing fog on the track.

Joseph, who has been selected to train with the British Triathlon Association's Olympic and World Potential squad, has a busy training schedule ahead of some high-profile national races throughout the country. They culminate in the London Triathlon, which he won last year.

Alex, who at 14 is a year younger than his brother, will compete in the Super Sprint Triathlon series of races in an effort to gain selection for the national squad.

Both are members of Mandale Athletic Club, Cleveland Wheelers and Thirsk White Horse Swim Club