Sheppey's Mark Chesson takes aim in Elmley Picture: Darren Small

by Luke Cawdell

Kingsferry Gun Club shooter Mark Chesson is set to win his first England cap next month.

The 33-year-old from Minster hit 388 out of 400 clay pigeons to win selection for the English Skeet International event in Northern Ireland.

He was ranked fifth in the country during the selection process.

Chesson said: "I tried for it last year for the first time but unfortunately I missed too many but I thought I would give it another go.

"It’s great to be selected and it’s something I have always wanted to happen."

He has been shooting since the age of 15 – following in the footsteps of his father Norman, who is on the committee of Kent’s Clay Pigeon Shooting Association, co-founder of the Kingsferry Gun Club at Elmley and a member of the county’s veterans’ team. His sister Michelle also represents Kent.

"My dad has been doing it long before I came along and it’s good to have us all competing for the county," said Chesson, who shoots a 12-bore shotgun.

"I’ve won a few things before but not too many major events and I have been shooting the best I have done before in this last year or so."

Chesson is one of five new caps in a 10-man England team to face Northern Ireland and it’s against these other newcomers where he wants to come out on top.

"There is a trophy for the best new cap and that’s what I am aiming for," he added.

Father Norman said: "We’re all proud of him and it is an achievement to get into the England team."

The Kingsferry club staged the Kent Skeet Championship on Sunday but it was 16-year-old Nathan Hales who took the senior and junior honours.