A CHILDHOOD trip to Sherwood Forest has led to international sporting success for real-life "Robin Hood" Thomas Taylor.

Thomas,16, from Etwall, is a member of the Great Britain Youth Development Squad and was part of the England team which competed at the Home Nations international competition and at the Euronations International.

He won two individual gold medals and two team gold medals and is currently waiting to hear if he has made the team for the Europa Cup in Cyprus and the World Youth Games in Poland this summer.

But it all started nine years ago when Thomas and his family visited Sherwood Forest and he was given a toy bow and arrow by his uncle.

Soon he was hooked and wanted do more than play.

Taylor said: "I found a beginners' course that I wanted to do but, as I was only seven, I was told I was too young because they usually only take children once they are nine. But I was so keen that they eventually agreed to put me on the course.

"I started off like any other beginner but I had lots of practice and in 2002 I joined a club in Mickleover. They supported me and got me into local competitions, and it was then I realised I was quite good."

Thomas has been training with Great Britain for two years and is a member of the junior U21 squad, which includes the best male and female archers from across Great Britain.

Last year, he took first place in the National Outdoor Championships and set three new national records for his age group and category – U16 male compound.

His ultimate aim is to compete at the Commonwealth Games but he may have to wait up to 10 years for his chance as archers generally peak in their mid-20s.

Taylor's success to date was recognised earlier this year when he was selected to receive a bursary from the Derbyshire Talented Athlete Fund for the first time.

The fund is made up of contributions from ICON members and awards annual bursaries to promising sports men and women.

The recipients must live in Derbyshire or compete for the county and have represented England or Great Britain in their chosen sport – or be tipped to do so within 18 months.

Taylor added: "To be selected to be part of the talented athlete scheme is a big confidence boost and great recognition for what I'm doing. Archery is a minority sport, so it is not always well-recognised.

"The bursary also really helps because archery is an expensive sport, with equipment costs and petrol costs for travel to competitions all over the country."