CHILDHOOD dreams have come true for a talented young rider and his beloved horse who have been selected to compete with the British Young Rider International Squad.

Marcus Feeley, from Singleton, was over the moon when he found out he had been picked for the under-18s squad.

This means the 17-year-old will be coached by top trainers from the British Show Jumping Association and will be on call at short notice to ride and compete abroad .

The Kirkham Grammar School pupil is very modest about his achievements and full of praise for his horse. He told The Citizen: "I feel as though I couldn't have got to this level without my horse Ontario. He is very special and we have formed a great team together.

"I am to compete abroad for the first time next week in Belgium and I am very excited and a little bit nervous."

Marcus has been with his stallion Ontario for around two years and they have formed a close bond during that time, competing in many competitions together. Ontario is based in Greenhalgh with Marcus's trainers David and Julie Andrews

Marcus comes from a family of horse riders. His mum and sister Laura are both very competent riders and his dad Michael used to be a show jumper.

Marcus's mum, Deborah, said: "Both my husband and I are very proud of Marcus and Ontario.

"They have both worked very hard and deserve this recognition. He is far better than me or my husband ever were and he has exceeded our expectations.

"I would like to say a big thank you to his trainers, David and Julie, and the whole team who have all made it happen."

Both Mr and Mrs Feeley are hoping to be able to travel to Belgium with Marcus next week to cheer him on when he represents his country abroad for the first time.