SAM Bennett has high hopes for the future after being called up to represent Great Britain for the first time.

The Basildon Athletics Club member is set to compete in a Great Britain kit at the European Under-18 Championships.

And Bennett was delighted to find out he had bagged a place in the squad.

The 17-year-old said: “Being selected to represent Great Britain feels incredible.

“Since the start of my athletics career I have envied those wearing the Great Britain kit and aspired to reach my goal of competing for Great Britain.

“To have finally achieved it is such a positive and motivational accolade that will propel me into my future in athletics.

“I am aiming to continue improving and achieve further Great Britain selections as I progress through the age groups.”

Bennett will compete in the European Under-18 Championships’ 110m hurdles.

The competition is being held in Gyor, Hungary from July 5-8.

And Bennett cannot wait to be put through his paces in a Great Britain kit.

The Langdon Hills-based athlete added: “As a target-setting person and athlete, meeting any goal is always rewarding and brings great positivity.

“It is also a huge boost as I aim for another selection, competition or result.

“Getting my first Great Britain kit is a huge milestone for me and I’m hoping to make it an experience I will remember forever.”

Bennett will be one of just 33 athletes to represent Great Britain at the European Under-18 Championships.

The highly-rated youngster has enjoyed success for Team England as he won gold in the 110m hurdles at the Commonwealth Youth Games last year.

And although it will be Bennett’s first appearance for Great Britain, he will be travelling to Hungary hoping to secure a medal.

Bennett confirmed: “After last year’s success at the Commonwealth Youth Games, where I won with a personal best time, I hope to take that experience with me into this competition to be up there with the best.

“I want to make the most of representing Great Britain for the first time and a new medal would be welcomed greatly.

“I will look to get used to my environment quickly and work my way through my first ever three round competition.

“Hopefully I will improve and progress, getting increasingly faster in each round as the competition heats up.”