A budding Preston table tennis star has won the honour of representing Lancashire in the English School's National Individual competition final in May.

Jericho Mayor, 18, of Dalby Close, Preston, earning himself a place in the final winning the under 19s category at the regional heats at St Bede's High School, Blackburn.

Jericho will join fellow Preston Table Tennis Club member, under 13s tennis ace Nathan Wilkinson, in the competition.

Originally from Manila in the Philippines, he was one of the club's first members when it established in 1998 and now he is hoping to go for gold at the national competition.

He said: "I'm over the moon about representing Lancashire in the British championships.

"My family are really proud of me and I make sure every back in the Philippines knows about it too. They think it's great."

Jim Clegg, head coach of Preston Table Tennis Club, thinks Jericho's performance could lead to a revival in the club's fortunes.

He said: "We used to be one of the best clubs in Lancashire and with people like Jericho, who is really coming of age, people are really starting to look at him and taking note.

"This is the start of good things and in three years we will be back to being one of the stronger clubs in Lancashire."