CIARAN Williams believes all the hard work has been worth it after he was named in the Great Britain men’s handball squad for London 2012.

The 24-year-old from Edenfield, currently on GB duty in Serbia, was named in the 14-man squad yesterday to book his place at the Olympics.

Williams has been a part of the GB set-up since it was formed six years ago - and he has experienced plenty of highs and lows along the way.

Like many of his team-mates, he had to financially fend for himself when funding was cut. But all that is now behind him.

““I’m so happy, proud and honoured to receive the news,” said the former Haslingden High School pupil. “It’s been six very long years, with a lot of high and low points, but it’s been worth every second to get onto Team GB.”

Williams, who is the playmaker of the team, recently helped Salford win the British handball title. And he admitted it was ‘crazy’ to think that he is finally going to the Olympics.

He said: “To think this started out as an adventure and a distant dream and now I’m going to be an Olympian is crazy!”