Sam Thornton has clinched a medal in his first European Championships.

Fourteen year-old Sam, from Baildon, is the first diver from Bradford to represent Great Britain in eight years at the European Junior Diving Championships in Belgrade and was delighted to gain a bronze medal in the one-metre final.

Sam is a member of the City of Bradford Esprit Diving Club, the competitive outlet for Bradford Council’s Sport and Leisure Services’ coaching and training scheme.

Coun Ghazanfer Khaliq, executive member with responsibility for sport, said: “This is very exciting news and a fantastic achievement for Sam.

“He has exceeded all expectations in gaining a medal in his first competition as a GB representative.

"It is also a great credit to the Bradford Esprit Diving Club for their commitment to this young man, who clearly has a great future.”

Sam is one of a new group of emerging talented athletes set to benefit from the support being offered through the SportsAid b active Sporting Excellence Programme.

Overall the Great Britain team secured two silver medals and four bronze. Out of the 15 divers, 11 were competing in their first European Championships, so the GB coaches were very proud of their efforts.