A teenage taekwondo star is taking another step towards his dream of one day being in the Olympics.

Thomas Johnston, 13, of High Harrington, has been given a special opportunity to attend a trial for the Great Britain Olympic Taekwondo team next month.

The Keswick School pupil is going to the trial, on July 6, courtesy of a Sport England programme called ‘Fighting Chance’.

It will assess young martial artists aged 13-18 to define if they have the ability, skill and determination to one day become an Olympic champion.

Tom’s proud dad Frank Johnston said: “To have even made it this far is a notable achievement.

“He will be competing against other world champions to gain a place in the Olympic development squad.”

If he is successful, Thomas, who is the current world kickboxing champion, will be training alongside existing Olympians at the National Taekwondo Centre in Manchester on a weekly basis.

And he will then undergo medical, physical and psychological assessments.

Tom’s delighted mam Terri Johnston added: “I am so proud of Tom and his achievements so far to date but to be selected to attend these trials is just so amazing.

“Tom is very focused and determined to work hard. He knows what his goal is and I’m sure he will do what he needs to to achieve it.

“Anything is possible if you are willing to work hard enough.”

Tom is determined to do his club, and coaches, at Workington’s Tapout Knockout proud. He is training 12 hours a week and is totally focused on becoming an Olympic champion by the age of 18.

And he has had the backing of other martial artists, who have reached the top of their field.

Former British kickboxing champion Tom Fitzsimmons has already hailed the youngster saying he believes Tom has all the attributes to achieve his dream of becoming a champion at the Paris Olympics in 2024.