A WORLD record is being claimed by a competitor at an event organised by Deer Park Archers of Shurdington.

Steve Prowse from Wolverhampton Company of Archers scored a huge 550 in the morning session of the fourth annual para competition that took place on February 5 at Cheltenham Leisure Centre.

The amazing feat was made all the more special as Steve backed up his score by posting 549, just one point less than his record-breaking score, in the afternoon session. His nearest competitor, Philip Trantor from Sheffield Blind Archers, finished on a highly respectable 449.

The claim is subject to ratification which is likely to take two months to complete.

Roger Crang from Deer Park Archers said: “The event, organised by ourselves, is unique in that it focuses on giving priority to those with disabilities and caters for all categories including those with severe physical and learning needs and offers close target rounds to allow full participation.

“This is about inclusion so able bodied archers can enter and do their standard rounds to record status but the focus is on disabled archers first.

“Our thanks must go to the Worshipful Company of Fletchers who again sponsored this tournament and without that support this important event would not take place.”

Top scoring Recurves were Nicola Cramb for the Ladies and Molly Peters Junior Ladies both from the Deer Park club. For the Gents, Sean Evans 576 from Cheltenham & junior Louis Perkins 572 from Silverspoon Bowmen.

Top scoring Ladies Compound was Amelia Williams and for the juniors Cirencester's Ella Gibson both from Deer Park. There was also a stunning performance from Chloe A'Bear in the Junior Ladies Compound. For the Gents, Adam Shaw (586) from Cleve won with more 10s than James Howse (586) from Deer Park. Josh Uzzell from Deer Park won the junior section.

The longbow sections were won by Lynn Benfield and Graham Peters both from Deer Park.

The Barebow sections were won by Rosemarie McKay from Deer Park, Glen Abrams from the Enham Trust and junior Ethan Trotman from Deer Park. Natasha Douglas (469) just shaded out Patrick Baker (458) in the non-record status event.