Shooter Peter Bromley has been appointed England captain for the forthcoming Mackinnon Match at Bisley in July.

The 50-year-old arable and sheep farmer from Charing will lead the country in one of the most prestigious and historic competitions in the National Rifle Association calendar.

The match was first held in 1891 for a purse of £20 donated by the then secretary of the NRA, Colonel W Mackinnon, who then donated the present trophy which forms part of the Imperial Meeting at the home of shooting in Surrey in the summer.

He said: “I am delighted to be named England captain. This weekend’s match is organised by the Royal Air Force who field a team against the Home countries and while we all want to win, it is more about looking at up and coming shooters and trialling less experienced people.

“July is the big one, though, when England take on Scotland, Wales, Ireland, Australia and Canada and teams from Jersey and Guernsey. Australia won it last year so we are out to avenge that.”