A YOUNG Olympic hopeful has been shortlisted for a prestigious national sports award.

Bacup's David Groom has been selected from hundreds of nominations for the One Complete Solutions Young Sports-person of the Year Awards.

The 17-year-old Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School student scooped first place in the recent Northern Ireland Senior Championships in judo.

Since the age of nine, when he first accompanied his brother, Adam, then five, to a judo lesson, he has claimed numerous medals and titles.

In just six months, David, who trains at Bacup Judo Club, has won two gold, two silver and three bronze medals and gained the 'black belt' in May last year.

At 6ft 3ins tall and still growing, David competes in the under-81kg category.

After winning a scholarship under the Talented Althlete Scholar-ship Scheme he is hoping to train in Japan next year in preparation for the 2012 London Olympics.

David, of Dale Street, said: "My ultimate goal is to be at the Olympics and to become a professional."

Because of his size, teammates nicknamed him 'The Groominator'.

David's coach, Brian Moore, said: "He is a big lad for his age and looks really clumsy -- he has big feet and trips over everything.

"However, put him on a mat and he changes. It is nearly impossible for an opponent to throw him. He has innate balance. David is the most exciting prospect I have seen for a long time."

Fellow coach Clark Nutter added: "He's going from strength to strength -- I am sure we will be seeing him compete in the Olympics."

He will go head to head with the likes of 15-year-old squash player Victoria Bell from Carlisle and 16-year-old Peter Hall from Ormskirk, who is a member of the Great Britain white water slalom canoeing team for the sports award.

Nearly 600 entries were received for the contest.

The regional winner will receive their cheque for £2,500 at a ceremony hosted by Denise Lewis on November 25 at the Brit Oval in London.

At the ceremony the overall OCS Young Sportsperson of the Year will collect an additional £8,000 sponsorship and a cheque for £2,500 for their school, college or club.

Chris Cracknell, chief executive of OCS said: "Our choice of finalists reflects the significant achievements each of them has made in their field over the past year, and their ability to combine schoolwork with such a magnificent level of sporting commitment and prowess."

The contest was launched by leading property support services group, OCS, eight years ago to recognise and support sporting potential and achievement in the UK.