A 15-year-old from Harpenden has been selected by the Great Britain wakeboarding team to take part in his first event this week.

Connor Scinaldi first took up the sport around three years ago during a family holiday to the Cotswolds, and has since trained at Wake MK in Milton Keynes.

And in a whirlwind turn of events, he has now been chosen to represent his country in the European Nationals, which begin in Israel on Thursday.

Mum Emma told the St Albans Review: “The team run talent spotting days, and Connor went along to some of those and has been a part of the national set-up for about a year.

“He’s had coaching from the GB coach and they said they were impressed with him and want him to be part of the team.

“He’s really excited but a bit nervous, obviously, although I’m more nervous than he is.

“The World Championships are in Mexico in November, and he might get involved in that if this week goes well.”