A ten-year-old from Newbury has returned home from the World Biathle Championships in Madeira as World Champion and triple gold medallist.

Chester Bailey had an outstanding two days of racing while representing Great Britain, competing against some of the world’s best young athletes.

The local lad secured an incredible clean sweep of three world titles, winning the U11 Mixed Relay, U11 Boys Individual and U11 Team events.

Chester’s competition started with the U11 Mixed Relay in which he was paired with the top ranked British girl from the national trials.

His partner delivered a strong performance on her leg handing over to Chester just behind the leading South African pair.

He quickly closed the gap during the first run, took the lead in the swim and then stretched away on the second run to secure his first world title.

The following day, Chester lined up for the U11 Boys Individual Biathle, brimming with confidence and took control of the race straight away.

The transitions are always a point of jeopardy but Chester navigated them safely and, as he entered the final run, his second world title never looked in doubt.

Strong performances from the next two British athletes meant Chester and his teammates secured a further gold medal in the team event.

Two fantastic days of racing and three gold medals.

Local Team Kennet athletes Harriet and Matilda Saunders also spent half term representing Great Britain at the World Biathle Championships.

Large numbers of entries in Harriet and Matilda’s events meant semi-finals were needed.

Harriet, competing in the U15 Girls Biathle, settled into the leading group and did just enough on the second run to safely secure one of the three automatic qualifying slots.

The following day Harriet started her final with real purpose, going out hard on the run and entering transition in second place.

A fumbled shoe and the inevitable loss of some ground to the stronger swimmers dropped her to tenth going into the final run, effectively eliminating her chances of an individual medal.

Not letting this deter her, she set about picking off athletes to work her way up to an excellent fourth place by the finish.

With another strong British performance, Harriet and her teammates secured the team world title.

Matilda, competing in her first year in the U13 age group, knew qualification would be tough.

A poor first transition made the challenge harder still but strong running was enough to secure the 18th qualifying spot for the 26 athlete final.

The following day Matilda improved every element of her race, eventually finishing in 14th place and the first athlete in the lower half of the age group.