FOREST angling star, Sam Hughes, has secured a place in the under 18 England coarse angling squad for 2013.

The Berry Hill lad competed in the event last year in Slovenia and finished on the podium in the silver position, but this time he is going for gold.

Sam found out the good news on his 18th birthday that he will be one of the five men participating in the squad.

And Sam has already been preparing himself for the world championship, as he recently took to Gloucester canal using a continental-style rod and line method which is required in this year's world championship.

Despite being assured of his spot in the championships, Sam is going to Coventry on Saturday, May 25 to assist his team who are in the final trial stage for the event.

Once successful, they will then gear themselves up for taking gold in Rieux in France, on the weekend beginning Saturday, July 27.

Sam said: "I am really looking forward to participating in this year's world championships. I am grateful for the support I have had from Dennis and Kevin at Wye Angling, coach Ian Didcote and my employer Adrian Knox.

"I want to thank my family and sponsorship for their dedication, support and encouragement – they are the reason why I have been able to pursue such a time-consuming and expensive sport at this high level."