LITTLEDEAN'S 15 year-old runner Richard Davenport came storming in as new UK indoor 400 metres champion – his first national title since moving into the under-17 class.
Richard won the race at Saturday's UK indoor championships at the National Indoor Arena, beating his own personal best time with 49.49 seconds.
And his coach praised the way he handled the field, none of whom bettered 50 seconds despite all having a year's advantage.
"He was very pleased with himself of Saturday night – on a real high," said his father, Martin Davenport.
"And he's still only 15. It will probably be tougher in couple of years' time when he's in the under-20s, but hopefully we can get some runs against older people in the coming outdoor season.
"It will be a good chance to get some experience a year early."
Richard's mother, Susan Davenport, praised the support Richard had been given by King's School in Gloucester, where he is studying for his GCSEs.
"They have been very good, moving some lessons around and giving him time off for training. I don't think we could have managed without their help," she said.
Richard's coach, David Farrow, said: "It was a very pleasing win. In may ways it comes as a consolation for not being able to put on an England vest because of the cancelled international.
"However Richard has improved on his last year times which is quite an achievement, especially when he lost training time over the winter after a rugby injury."
Richard has also been helped by a grant of £150 from the Ron Pickering Memorial fund for his training and travel expenses.