York junior soldier Matthew Halton has been paddling for victory at the Army's Land Command Canoe Slalom championships in Llandysul Wales.

Matthew, 16, beat off stiff competition to come third in the under-21 event.

The annual competition, which was delayed due to the Gulf War, saw around 60 competitors paddling it out to become champion.

Matthew said: "I started canoeing in 1988 because it looked a fun sport and I've always been interested in adventurous sports. I'd like to become an instructor eventually.

"We are lucky in the Army because sport and fitness are encouraged and we get time off for events like this."

Updated: 08:41 Wednesday, June 25, 2003