ASHLEY SIDDLE swaps Magaluf for sunny Scarborough next week in his quest to win the prestigious British Boys Championships.

While a dozen of his mates jet off to Majorca for a fortnight, the Rossendale teenager will be off to the British coast.

Siddle, 18, goes to Ganton on Monday hoping to build on his impressive showing at the English Amateur Championships at Saunton last week.

He reached the semi-final, catching the eye of the Lancashire selectors and one or two scouts from American universities, and he knows a good performance on the east coast could result in the offer of a scholarship.

But that won't stop him thinking of what might have been in the Med.

"There are about 12 of them going," said the 18-year-old former Haslingden High pupil, with just a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"I am the only one not going but the British Boys is more important. If you win that you are remembered forever."

Siddle has been inundated with messages of support and congratulations since returning from Saunton at the weekend.

"It is nice that everyone recognises what I did. They are all saying it was brilliant."

Siddle, who struggled with a shoulder injury for most of the week, beat James Lawson, Lancashire player Mark Ramsdale, Tom Peacock, Yorkshire boys player Mark Bell, England international Zane Scotland and American university student Geoff Harris on the way to the semi, where he lost by seven holes with six to play to the eventual winner Scott Godfrey.

"It just wasn't going for me in the semi and everything was going for him," he said.

Siddle, who has never played in the Lancashire men's team, hopes to get the county call for the Roses battle against Yorkshire.

He is a favourite for the England Schools side to play Wales this summer but hasn't made the England Boys side for the home internationals.

"The squad was picked before the Amateur Championships. If it had been a week later I might have got in that, but I should get in the England Youth squad," he said.

Siddle will play in the Northern Order of Merit event at Birkdale, Southport, before making the 150-mile drive to Scarborough on Sunday night, ready for his 7.30am start on Monday.

"I need to get my shoulder right and have a bit of a rest and then it is over to Southport and then on to Scarborough."

He says he is ready for the challenge of the British Boys, which is an international event.

"I have a lot more confidence now after beating England internationals and people on university scholarships at Saunton.

"I am going into this thinking if I can beat them I should be able to beat all these lads."