TEENAGE fencing duo Hayden and Connor McCarthy are continuing to make their mark in the sport at national level.

The brothers, from Cherry Lane, Great Mongeham, near Deal, are both ranked in the top 25 in their respective age groups.

Hayden, 17, a student at Canterbury College, started fencing with the sabre two years ago and trains at Canterbury Fencing Club and at Gillingham with Britain’s No 1 sabreur, James Williams.

Hayden quickly gained a place in the Great Britain Under 17 squad and represented Britain in competitions in Hungary, Germany and Italy.

Now classed as a junior (under 20), Hayden has a national ranking of 22 and finished seventh in the English U18 Championships, having previously won the Kent and Southern Area U18 titles.

Meanwhile, Connor, 15, started fencing five years ago with the foil, but switched to the sabre 18 months ago. He trains at Canterbury and Medway fencing clubs and at his school, Dover College.

In his first year as a cadet (under 17) Connor reached ninth place in the GB rankings and is in with a chance of being selected for the world championships in Italy next April.

This year Connor won the Kent U16 title and finished six in the national championships.

Both brothers have been in Hungary during the Christmas holidays for a spell of intensive training.

They receive plenty of support from their parents, Richard and Sue McCarthy, who drive them to competitions all over the country.

They would also be pleased to hear from any individuals or companies interested in offering sponsorship.

* Hayden and Connor can be contacted on 01304 364374.