CLACTON archer Jonathon Tate struck gold when representing Great Britain's cadet team at the European Youth Cup in Croatia.

He started the week as he meant to go on as the highest-ranked British cadet in qualification, ranking fourth and claiming both a national distance record and huge personal best.

Then, following a tough schedule of shooting, Tate, along with team-mates Alex Wise and Jacob Reid, swept past teams from Austria, Moldova and Italy before meeting Russia in the team gold medal final.

It was a close match but the British team, who had gained a perfect 60 score earlier in the match, were not to be denied as they beat Russia on a shoot-off, holding their nerve while the opposition crumbled.

Tate said: "I've gained huge experience from shooting on an international stage with such fantastic team-mates and against tough competition and I thank the Essex County Archery Association (ECAA) for their support.

"My next aim is to be selected to shoot for Britain in the Youth World Championships in Rosario in September."