A CHARD athlete will soon be testing himself out against Europe’s finest after qualifying for the Aquathlon European Championships in Germany.

Thomas Priest will compete against some of Europe’s best athletes in a 1km swim and 5km run in Cologne on May 31.

A good performance could earn him the chance to go the distance and qualify for the World Championships in Canada.

Thomas said: “I am really excited to be able to represent Great Britain and also have the opportunity to race at an international event.

“I am hoping to gain qualification to the world championships in Edmonton which takes place in August.

“I would really appreciative it if anyone is interested in sponsoring me to help achieve my sporting goals.

“I would like to thank the excellent support from family and friends in all of my training and race commitments.”

Thomas, 27, who studied at Wadham School in Crewkerne, is a sports lecturer at Weymouth College and a member of Chard and Crewkerne running clubs.

He has committed many hours to training since he was young and has experienced sporting success before.

He was the Under-18s Junior British Champion at 50m Butterfly in swimming, ran the London and Edinburgh marathons in under three-and-a-half hours and competed in a half-marathon in Budapest.

He also enjoys competing in local races and runs.

Thomas would welcome offers of sponsorship – to discuss sponsorship opportunities contact tom_priest26@|hotmail.com