A SKILLED Ulverston teenager has smashed more than 30 years of school records at St Bernard's, coming third in a national championship to prove he's a raw athletic talent.

Schoolboy Joe Lancaster, 14, was representing Cumbria in the English Schools Athletics Association championships, which were held at Gateshead International Stadium.

Joe won the bronze medal for his throw in the junior boys discus, reaching more than 39m last weekend.

Chuffed mum Michelle Lancaster said: "I couldn't be prouder.

"He's just a natural talent and he's always been very sporty and athletic."

The 14-year-old seems perfectly built for the discus and shot put events, already measuring at 6ft 3in.

A former karate blue belt, the energetic student has been working hard with staff at St Bernard's Catholic High School, in Barrow, to sculpt his skills for future competitions.

He also smashed the school's field event records for Year 9, which were set in the 1970s, and achieved a discus throw of 38.47m, shot put of 11.65m and high jump of 1.58m.

Ben Proctor is the PE subject leader at St Bernards and runs the district athletics team.

He said: "This year he's had a massive change and was on fire when he won.

"He was unsure if he wanted to represent the county but we had a chat and I persuaded him and it's made a massive difference to his confidence.

"He's quite laid back but he is becoming focused and very hungry for it and very ambitious.

Mr Proctor added: "He is extremely talented and seems to be enjoying the technical side of things."

Joe, who also plays rugby for Dalton, has started training with the Barrow Striders but had only done three weeks preparation before winning his bronze at the championships.