SOUTHEND High School for Boys captain Bradley Barrett remains delighted to have made the squad for the World Schools Athletics Championships in China.

Around 20 athletes were battling for one of six slots in the team.

And Barrett is thrilled to have made the cut.

“We had a team of 20 or so and it was a process of elimination from there,” said the 16-year-old from Southend who will compete in both the pole vault and the sprint hurdles.

“We all had to compete for our places and a lot of hard work has gone into making the team.

“We found out a couple of months ago and we’ve been training really hard.

“It’s brilliant to have made the team and I’m really proud to be the captain too.”

Barrett and his school-mates will be flying out to China tomorrow morning.

And he is eager to impress.

“We’ve all been set targets by our teachers so we’re all looking to beat those,” said Barrett.

“We know what we need to do but it’s going to be a fantastic experience and we’re all so excited about it now it’s finally here.”