Kent fencer Peter Barwell has been selected for the prestigious UK School Games later this year.

The 17-year-old of the Gravesham Fencing Club will compete in the men’s foil to be held in Bristol and Bath at the end of August.

Barwell, from Chatham, came in for special praise from Olympic gold medalist sprinter Jason Gardener, who recalls his own debut call-up to Games.

"It was wonderful being part of a multi-event," said Gardener, who didn’t experience such a scene until the age of 22 when he featured in the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games.

"Peter will learn what it is like having to take responsibility for getting on the right transport, eating at the right times and how to deal with distractions in the athletes’ village.

"I’m sure he’ll have a great time because, above all, it’s about enjoying yourself."