Exciting times lie ahead for clay pigeon shooter, Christopher Dean, who hopes his recent good form will be enough to earn him a place in England's Commonwealth Games shooting squad this summer.

The Winchester-based marksman was selected to represent Great Britain at the recent shooting World Cups in Australia and China.

Although Dean did not finish among the medals, he was pleased with his first showing for the GB team.

He said: "I felt I performed very well.

"I was amongst the very best shooters in the world and I certainly learned a lot.

"To be honest it was a bit nerve-wracking, but I enjoyed it."

Now 44, Dean has been shooting for 12 years. He trains mostly at Bisley, which will be the shooting venue for the Commonwealth Games this summer.

Dean works full-time for the Hampshire County Council, and also runs a respite centre for disabled children.

However, he is still able to balance work commitments around competitions.

Dean specialises in the Olympic Trap discipline of the sport, and with Olympic silver medallist Ian Peel almost certain of a place in the trap team, sharp-shooter Dean realises that it will be tough to seal the remaining spot.

"I've got a good chance, but I know that anything can happen on the day.

"You don't have to be super fit for the sport, although a certain level is required, and experience counts for a lot."

Dean's fate will be decided at the selection trials to be held in Wales in June, though his immediate thoughts are of the European Championships in Italy later this month.

"The Europeans are one of the most important events in the shooting calendar so it would be nice to do well.

"There are also the World Championships coming up in July in Finland."

He added: "The margins between places in competitions are a matter of one or two places, so at the top level you have to be able to deal with the pressure.

"Good hand-eye co-ordination and high concentration are also essential.

Dean has won numerous county championships in the trap events, and has an impressive shooting pedigree.

However, the sport can be very expensive and he is always on the look-out for funding.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Dean should contact him on: (07974) 929634.