For most 14-year-olds, one imagines the weekend is seen as little more than an opportunity to recover from the lessons and homework of five days at school.

Some will go out with friends, others will stay in and play on their tablets and games consoles, but few are likely accustomed to spending their weekend abroad representing their country at an international tournament.

But Ebbsfleet Academy pupil Ben Cloke has done just that, returning from the Shore Angling World Championships in France with a silver medal.

He was there as part of the England Under-16s squad and competed against teams representing the likes of Spain and the Czech Republic, finishing just one good catch away from gold.

“I have gone fishing most of my life, since I was four years old, but I only got into match fishing about a year ago,” said Ben, of Ames Road, Swanscombe.

“Me and my dad go down to local beaches, we fish in Greenhithe, in Gravesend at The Ship and Lobster, and I would like to make a career out of it.”

Ben, who gets some of his equipment from Dolphin Angling Centre in Queen Street, Gravesend, first emerged as a contender for the England squad after a strong performance at the Kent Classic in December.

He was part of a team of five in France last weekend and enjoyed the experience so much that he’s already got his eye on other tournaments at which to show off his talent and keep his place on the roster.

“I’ve got the Kent Classic again, the British Open, and over the summer holidays I will be fishing every day if we can,” he said.

“I want to be number one in the world but I also want to help other people fish and get better, that’s my dream.”

Dad Kevin is also a keen angler and has been key to Ben’s success so far.

Moving forward, though, it’s perhaps even more important that he continues to impress his England managers, David Graham and Chris Clark.

“I would like to thank them because without them picking me I wouldn’t have been out there,” said Ben.

“Hopefully I can keep getting better.”