Halstead archery ace Imogen Newby’s dreams of becoming an Olympic athlete have taken a significant step closer.

Top coaches at Archery GB, the sport’s governing body in this country, have invited the 11-year-old Chappel Primary School pupil to become a Performance Academy Athlete in the Olympic Performance Pathway Programme.

It is just recognition for another year of success that Newby has enjoyed and has included taking two silver medals at the national championships in June.

He father Leon said: “I’m over the moon, but not as much as Imogen is.

“It is the next level for her and will take her development up even more with greater technical guidance from the country’s top coaches.

“Not everyone is invited to be a part of this – it’s for the ones they consider to be the best of the best.”

As a part of the Olympic Performance Pathway, Newby will now take part in a series of training camps with top Great Britain team coaches throughout the year designed to hone her skills further.