TAEKWONDO star Thomas Carney is setting his sights on competing for Great Britain in the World Championships.

Teenager Carney has been a member of the British poomsae (non-contact patterns) cadet boys' taekwondo squad for almost a year, travelling all around the country to train and compete.

And the All Saints School pupil, who has been training in taekwondo for 10 years, has enjoyed a fine 12 months in the sport.

In his most recent competitions the rising star has won two golds, a silver, and a bronze.

He has now accumulated 17 medals and a trophy.

He recently competed at the British International Taekwondo Poomsae Championships and reached the semi-finals, coming in fifth place out of 25 individuals.

Carney also reached the final in the pairs and won silver in the boys' team.

He said: "The competition was tough with over 520 competitors, one came from as far as Australia."

Carney, who is also a member of Weymouth and Dorchester Taekwondo Club with master Rob McDonald, said: "My taekwondo journey started when I was four, I attended an open day at the Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre.

"Last year, I had the fantastic opportunity to train with Olympic gold medallist Jade Jones and bronze medallist Martin Stamper, which was amazing.

“Being in the GB squad, I have to travel great distances for training and competitions.

“I also have two very important competitions coming up, one in London and the other in Germany. These will determine

my place for championships such as the Commonwealth Games.

“My ultimate goal would be to represent Great Britain in the World Championships.

“To make this a reality I need to ensure I attend all training sessions and ranking competitions.

“My sport is self-funded and, as you can understand, it can be very expensive.

“I’m asking local businesses to sponsor me. In return, I will advertise the logo on my taekwondo t-shirt.”

If you are interested in sponsoring the youngster, please email sport@dorsetecho.co.uk