MULTI-SPORT ace Ben Barber has stepped up the pace in his meteoric progress to athletic excellence.

The 15-year-old has just landed the United Kingdom national Tetrathlon title in his age group.

Barber, who has been a rising star in triathlon and pentathlon events, dominated the UK Championships in the Tetrathlon, which comprises four disciplines – swimming and fencing, and a combined event of running and pistol shooting.

The Copmanthorpe-based crackshot finished first at the championships staged at the Medway Sports Centre, near Gillingham, in Kent.

And so well did he impress national judges, he has been selected for the national team to compete in the European triathlon championships – swimming, running and shooting – to be held in Bulgaria in September.

The Tadcaster Grammar School pupil’s call-up is fitting reward for a run of spectacular success over the last three years.

Back in 2007 when he branched out to multi-faceted events, Barber was fifth representing GB in the International Youth Triathlon in Portugal.

Since then the member of York City Baths Club has enjoyed being part of the country’s world-class talent programme – designed to support athletes who are identified and confirmed as potential future stars.

Barber was enrolled by the Modern Pentathlon and Great Britain national body (MPAGB).

Then aged 14, he was the youngest of 30 athletes signed up to the scheme from across the British isles.

Barber, who has been further aided in his training programme by the Energise centre, in Acomb, which provides free facilities, said he was thrilled by his advance to the European Championships.