A youngster from Tonbridge has been crowned as one of the best young golfers in Europe.

Ten-year-old Alexander Dunmall swung his way to victory in the US Kids European Championship.

The schoolboy, who first picked up a club aged three, won his age group by two shots after playing three rounds at Craigielaw Golf Club in Scotland.

Dunmall came in at even par after the 54-hole competition - with the nearest challenger on two over par - and he now has his sights set world championships glory later this year after coming eighth three years ago.

He said: "I'm absolutely over the moon! It felt magnificent to hold that trophy. I've always dreamed of winning it.

"I hoped so much that I would win, but I never really imagined bringing the trophy home. I was so excited and happy when I got into the lead.

"Being on a golf course just makes me feel so relaxed, calm and happy.

"I just love hitting balls, playing different courses with different challenges, meeting people and taking part in - and of course winning - competitions."

Dunmall carded an impressive four under par on on day one of the contest. He then shot a four over par 76 on day two - before holding his nerve with a level par 72 on the final day to secure the title beating 47 competitors from 18 countries at the championship.

The kids play on adult golf courses, with the tee boxes adjusted to make the distances slightly shorter.

Dunmall's parents - teaching assistant mum Claire, 40, and government worker dad Paul, 39, who also caddies for his son - say he fell in love with golf when he got some plastic clubs.

He got his first irons a year later and began small local competitions at the weekends. He now trains an hour each evening after school, at a golf academy every Saturday and plays competitions on Sundays.

Dunmall is also addicted to watching golf on television - and hopes to one day emulate his idol, Tommy Fleetwood.

In fact, the youngster loves the English pro so much he is trying to grow his hair to match Fleetwood's famous long locks.

Mum Claire said: "We're all really proud of him. He works so hard, he's just so dedicated.

"I knew he'd do something sporty. He was always very active and keen on any ball game since he was a toddler.

"He just has a natural ability to step onto a golf course and get into the zone, and he's very consistent and he's got a real focus.

"Outside that he's just like any other kid, who works hard.

"He's very competitive, like his dad. And before we knew it, he was qualifying for grand finals at St Andrews.

"I think he likes travelling around as well. Each course presents a different challenge and he likes pushing himself."