MICHAEL Thompson is a young man with a point to prove.

He's off to Glasgow this Saturday in a bid to clinch a place in a national fencing squad.

The 18-year-old Rainhill High School pupil has been fencing for only two years. But this weekend he'll be wielding his epee in a bid to earn a Grade A international place.

This is Michael's first full year of competition and he was recently a finalist in the Great Britain under 20s event and he is rapidly climbing the National Open rankings.

He started his fencing at St Helens Fencing Club, but now travels for coaching to Stockport Sword Club from Professor Andy Vincent.

But all that costs money and besides studying for his A levels Michael works part-time in a takeaway to raise the cash. And he also grateful for backing from his school and Thompson's Solicitors, of Liverpool.

He is also on the lookout for more sponsorship and can be contacted on 0151 430 9093.

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