TEENAGE triathlete Doug Roberts has pledged to fight to be the best - despite a foot injury that forced him out of international trials.

The 14-year-old Northallerton College student secured his place as British champion in his age group in the triathlon earlier this year.

Against competitors from across the UK, he led the way in the 8km bike race, came second in the 3km run and third in the 300 metre swim to win the British Championships in Liverpool.

He was due to take part in the World Class Potential Squad trials, but missed out after he broke his foot playing basketball.

Doug, of Romanby, who normally trains five times a week, said: "The doctors say it will take five weeks to heal, but after that I am back in training."

When he is fit again, he will also resume his sporting duties in Northallerton College's rugby team, where he plays flanker, and Northallerton Town football squad, where he plays in midfield.

The college's joint head of sport, Ruth Curtis, said: "Doug really is an incredible athlete and shows so much promise for the future. I think we were as disappointed as he was when he was injured, but I am sure he will come back stronger than ever."