National service beckons for a talented pair of Bradford & Bingley paddlers.

Young hopefuls Emma Kirkbright and Rick Booth have both taken significant steps on the path to stardom after earning England calls.

Still only 13, Kirkbright has been selected in the under-14s side for the upcoming Pan Celtic Cup, which sees the four home nations face off against each other.

Fellow Bradford & Bingley Canoe Club member Booth, 16, has been chosen as a reserve but is fighting hard for a place in the team.

The honour continues a rapid rise for Kirkbright since picking up a paddle for the first time just two years ago.

Currently ranked 27th in the K1 Women’s Division One, she has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of another clubmate, Beth Latham, who is rated among the cream of the country’s talent and lies fourth in the Premier Division.

Kirkbright’s elder sister Laura has also shown a natural aptitude for the sport, sitting 19 places higher in the Division One standings, and Bradford & Bingley secretary Wendy Robinson predicts big things for them both.

She said: “It’s a great achievement for Emma. She’s only been doing it for two years but showed aptitude right from the start and is at the right age to progress.

“I had a chat with the regional coaching officer and because Emma is the right age, she will get the right support and could go all the way to the top like Beth Latham, who’s as good as it gets.

“Her sister is just as good. She’s ranked a little bit higher but she’s a year older, which puts her outside the age categories in junior but a year young for the next category up.

“They both have the bit between their teeth and, although it can be quite an intimidating sport, neither of them are fazed by that.”

Booth, meanwhile, has already stepped up to compete against Britain’s elite, currently ranking 60th in the K1 Men’s Premier Division and sixth among competitors in his age group.

Paddling since the age of 12, he is another youngster with all the necessary attri-butes to keep on climbing.

“He’s now among the top echelon, which is a privileged place to be,” said Robinson.

“He has the natural ability and he also has the right physique for the sport, as well as being a really nice lad.

“All of them are great to deal with. They carry themselves well and have all the social skills you need, along with the talent.”

All three rely on sponsorship to allow them to compete, with events taking place across the country – the next one in the calendar scheduled for north Wales on the weekend of March 12 and 13.

“It can be very expensive,” added Robinson. “Racing boats cost about £1,200 and they will go through one or two of these a year.

“We do what we can to help but we’re always grateful for sponsorship.”

Anyone willing to help with sponsorship should contact Robinson on 07786-443631.