TWO Year 8 pupils from the Cotswold School, Bourton-on-the-Water – Aidan Hughes and Laura Palmer – have enjoyed major sporting success.

Aidan was part of the gold medal-winning U12 British Inline Puck Hockey team at the USA Amateur Athletic Union’s (AAU) Junior Olympics, in Corona, just south of Los Angeles, writes Elle Webster.

A spokesperson from the British Inline Puck Hockey Association (BIPHA) said: “One of the greatest accolades any sports person can be given is the opportunity to represent their country at their given sport."

Following on from their success at the Junior Olympics, Aidan and the U12s went on to win gold at the World Championships and are now looking forward to competing in the European Championships, in Switzerland during August.

Meanwhile, Laura won the National Junior Dressage Championship at the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) event held at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire.

Laura, riding Charlie B, also came first in the Freestyle Dressage competition.

She began training for competitions at Abingdon’s RDA centre six years ago, and was supported at the event by members of the school as well as being cheered on by her parents.

Laura’s mother, Lisa said: “It’s wonderful. Laura has worked so hard and with so much determination. All her hard work has paid off. We are so happy for her and so proud.”