Sarah Gray is targeting success after being named in the England shooting squad for the Commonwealth Games in Scotland next month.

The 27-year-old from Woodchurch, near Ashford, was in Munich last week when she received confirmation about her selection in the Olympic skeet discipline at Carnoustie.

Speaking on her return from Germany after a second World Cup trip, she said: “I had a couple of phone calls and texts while we were there, to tell me I had been selected but it still took time to sink in.

“I went well on my last selection shoot.

“It was a case of keeping myself together. I knew I could shoot at this level and I was happy to hear I had won a place.”

Gray is ranked fourth in Great Britain and her Commonwealth Games selection represents the culmination of a journey which began at the age of 13 when she first accompanied dad Tony to the Willow Farm Shooting Club in Tenterden.

Sarah said: “I was addicted to it from the moment I took my first shot. I got the bug and people said then I was a natural.

“He has been my biggest supporter and fan and has put in as much effort and time as I have.

“I changed my discipline from sporting to Olympic skeet in 2008 to help my chances of progressing further in the sport.

“It has been a long slow process but good things are starting to happen.”

She has represented England in home internationals in 2009, 2010, 2013, and again this year, as well as winning a string of county and regional honours.

She was Kent champion in 2010, lady champion from 2008-12 and South East England lady champion and Kent lady shooter of the year in 2013.

Sarah, who owns a country casual clothing business at Headcorn, added: “This time last year, making the team for the Commonwealth Games was something I wanted to achieve so badly but it was going to take a lot of hard work and determination.

“I am both proud and honoured that the hard work has paid off..." - Sarah Gray

“I am both proud and honoured that the hard work has paid off and am looking forward to making the most of this fantastic opportunity.”

“My call-up is my biggest achievement so far. I haven’t competed in a multi-sport competition before and am looking forward to lapping it all up.”

Sarah travels to two training camps in Yorkshire and Dorset, before joining up with the rest of the 25-strong party on July 16.