BAXTER College student William Richardson is set to take on some of the world's best young athletes after being selected to represent England at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Samoa.

Richardson, 17, is one of 1,000 young competitors aged between 14 to 18 who will represent their country and compete for 107 gold medals in nine sports over five days at the Vth Commonwealth Youth Games, which is taking place on the Pacific island nation between September 5 and 11.

The 3,000m runner ensured his place in the squad by reaching the qualifying standard in May at Loughborough University.

"It's a great honour to be selected to race for England, said his mum.

"He's raced for his country before but never at a tournament as big as this, so he's very excited and looking forward to the challenge."

He is one of three representatives from Birchfield who are part of the 21 strong team going to Samoa.

Dan Cartwright will compete in the shot, Richardson in the 3,000m, both of whom are on the LDC Junior Development programme and Emma Hamplett is selected for the javelin.

Club chairman Andy Paul commented: “I am delighted for Dan, Will and Emma and wish them well for a successful competition in September.

"It is great to see some of our talented youngsters gaining their first international selection at a major competition and I sure they will benefit greatly from the experience.”

The Commonwealth Youth Games have been a spring board for sports stars such as like Kirani James, Beth Tweddle, Chad le Clos and Caster Semenya.

The action takes place in the nation's capital, Apia, across two sporting complexes that will play host to aquatics, archery, athletics, boxing, lawn bowls, rugby sevens, squash, tennis and weightlifting.

Richardson has had one of his strongest years, winning the Midlands and County Cross Country Championships.