A FORMER Southend school pupil has seen his dreams come true after representing Great Britain in the ice hockey world championships.

Joshua Batch, 31, now of Wickford, was part of the Team GB side that took to the ice against Finland on Friday.

Joshua, who went to Westcliff High School as a youngster, had previously been selected in the Team GB squad for the championships but never made the team. 

But he made it to the big-time on Friday and was watched on from home by his delighted parents.

Dad, Kevan Batch, 62, said: "We are all so proud and ecstatic that he’s representing his home country.

"He’s been in the team before but has not been chosen to play and represent the country like this.

“He was devastated about not making the team in the past.

"We have all been feeling over the moon and I know he felt the same too."

Joshua has previously played for England at international level and featured in Europe's top hockey competition, the Champions Hockey League.

It wasn't quite the dream debut for Joshua as Finland ran out 6-0 winners during Friday's clash. 

But Kevan insisted it wouldn't dampen his son's mood. 

He added: "I spoke to him on Thursday and Friday and he was nervous about the match.

"The whole family has been so so proud of him and has been behind him all the way.

"It’s a dream come true for Josh to have his name on the jersey and the outfit and cap.

"It’s something he’s aspired to and is just phenomenal.”

Echo: Match - Joel Armia of Finland, back right, scores a goal as he skates behind goalkeeper Ben Bowns of Great Britain at the 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships preliminary round group B match between Great Britain and Finland, in Tampere, Finland, Friday, May 20, 2022. (Heikki Saukkomaa/Lehtikuva via AP).Match - Joel Armia of Finland, back right, scores a goal as he skates behind goalkeeper Ben Bowns of Great Britain at the 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championships preliminary round group B match between Great Britain and Finland, in Tampere, Finland, Friday, May 20, 2022. (Heikki Saukkomaa/Lehtikuva via AP).

Joshua has been playing hockey since he was seven years old and he trained at Riverside Leisure Centre in Chelmsford as a child.

He has went on to represent England at junior level between the age of 11 and 16. 

Back in April 2018, the sporting star helped the Cardiff Devils clinch an Elite League treble after beating defending champions Sheffield Steelers 3-1 in the play-off final at the National Ice Centre.