Coseley teenager Luke celebrates world bowling title

Since Luke Timbrell picked up his first bowling ball at the age of six he hasn't looked back – except to check if he's smashed his own high score.

Now 15, the bowling prodigy from Coseley has taken a world title and could see his talent take him overseas. Luke's biggest achievement came at the World Sports Festival between July 5 to 8, in Vienna, where he represented England.

His father Lee said: "Some of the countries had 120 children representing them in all sports and we had 12, all bowling,"

"He came out to with the Team England squad during the opening ceremony draped in the St George's flag. It was a really great moment."

Luke first claimed a bronze medal in a mixed nationalities team tournament, achieving his highest score of 277. But the under 18s singles event is where Luke really shone – beating a German bowler in the final and claiming gold.

"Luke started when his grandad noticed he had a natural talent for knocking down pins and got him to join a youth bowling league," said Mr Timbrell, 37.

From there, he was offered trials with Team England. Since then Luke, of Ivyhouse Lane, has picked up many awards.

Now, just about to start a BTEC Sport and Science course at Dudley College, Luke's success could see him offered a scholarship in America, where bowling is a hugely popular.

But he is keeping his feet on the ground, thanking his family for their help, and offers a simple message to aspiring bowlers: "Just hit the target."