Leatherhead-based fencer Gareth Thomas has been selected for the Great Britain U20 squad - even though he still competes in the U17 age group.

Thomas, who competes at London Thames Fencing Club and Shene Sports & Fitness Centre, has been called up comes after a superb victory at the British Junior Fencing Championships at RAF Cosford in the West Midlands.

Taking part in the U17 event as second seed, Thomas made his way comfortably through to the semi-finals, where he edged past Stephen Edgar 15-11.

That set up a final against Wellington's Chris Hay, which Thomas took 15-11 to take the title.

His success came a week after Thomas claimed another major title - the Manchester Cadet International - by defeating Aberdeen-based Jamie Firth.

Despite the event being staged a day after his U17 victory, Thomas also fared well in the U20 championships at RAF Cosford.

He lost just once in the first round to go through seeded 22nd. Thomas then claimed the scalps of three more experienced players to go through to the last eight.

The teenager came up against James Mehlia, who is ranked 20th in the GB senior rankings. Mehlia, the eventual winner of the event, proved too strong, winning 15-7.

Thomas, who is coached by dad Neale, himself a former GB international, finished in sixth place overall.

He joins up with the U20 squad for their trip to Bratislava next weekend.

Following her third place in the National U17 girls' Epee Championships last weekend, City of London Freemen's School pupil Natasha Lewis-Oliver has been selected to represent Great Britain U17s in Portugal next week and in Germany next month.