CHARD shooter Ellie Seward has expressed her pride after being selected in the England squad for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia.

The 19-year-old, who attended Holyrood Academy, will compete in the TR75 event having been crowned UK senior and junior ladies trap champion in a memorable 2017.

Seward said: “I began shooting three years ago after being introduced to it by my Dad, and I tried out various disciplines before settling on this one.

“I knew I’d qualified in September, but I received the letter on the day I flew out to Australia for a competition so my Mum had to tell me.”

Seward will now take her place in the squad alongside fellow Somerset shooters Abbey and Ed Ling.

“They have been people I’ve looked up to, so to be in the same squad as them is surreal,” Seward said.

“I am very proud to have been called up and it made me realise I can compete at that level.

“My aim is the top six but I feel I can target a medal - it would be a shame to go all that way and not come back with some bling!”