A BLIND 10-pin bowler from Morecambe was picked to represent Great Britain this week.

Derek McGee - who took up the sport just three years ago - will represent his country in a major international match at Birmingham next month.

Derek, 50, was amazed when he was picked for trials last week and was overjoyed when he received his letter from a national 10 pin bowling organisation on Tuesday.

He remembered: "It just basically said we can confirm that you're picked. I was really overjoyed. I will be there for four days. I've lived in Morecambe all my life and I'll be representing my home town as well as my country as when I'm there. I love my home town and I've lived here all my life."

Derek is registered blind but does have some sight. He plays with two teams and already has a number of trophies to his credit including winning the league with one of his teams last year. He was picked for England after playing with the Morecambe Ravers team.

At the trials he beat off competition from 32 other candidates to make the team. The team is organised by the British Blind Sports Association. Derek will play at the Hollywood Bowl in Birmingham and will be accommodated at a hotel in the city. He lives near to the Lancastrian pub. He also plays for the Morecambe Blind Centre.

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