Joe Ground had a double reason to celebrate after clinching the 2010 national Under-12 indoor title in Telford.

The talented archer, from Little Ellingham near Attleborough, was presented with his winner's cup and medal by Commonwealth gold medallist Nicky Hunt after an impressive success against the best of his national age group rivals in the prestigious competition – held just days before his 12th birthday.

Earlier this year, Joe received a �450 grant from Breckland Council's Gifted and Talented Fund which enabled him to benefit from specialist one-to-one professional coaching from respected trio Mark Wheeler, Tom Barber and Andy Beer, which has helped him improve his technique and excel at national junior level.

Joe's mother, Elizabeth, is convinced Norfolk's new national champion has reaped the benefits of Breckland Council's funding scheme.

'Joe has gained enormously from the help Breckland has provided over the past year,' she said. 'The improvement in his technique was reflected in his scores at the tournament.

'These were significantly higher than other boys in his age group.'

Joe has notched up a number of eye-catching triumphs this year, including breaking three county records for his age group and gaining second place in the National Archery Society young archer-of-the-year award.

His next goal is to join other talented youngsters in the Great Britain archery squad.