A BENFLEET schoolboy has been named one of the best skippers in the world.

Appleton School pupil Connor To has just returned from Hong Kong, where he achieved a personal best of 90 skips in 30 seconds during the World Youth Skipping Competition.

He then managed a tally of 445 skips after pushing himself to complete a threeminute endurance test.

As a result, Connor, who is now looking forward to the British Masters Competition in November, is ranked tenth in the world.

He said: “Representing the UK was absolutely amazing, as well as meeting such fierce competition.

“I learned lots of new tricks and skills by mixing with the fellow skippers from around the world in the camp.

“This was a new experience for me and I hope to get many more chances to represent the UK and participate in these events in the future.”

Assistant headteacher Jeff Banks said: “Connor is an extremely dedicated and talented athlete and we are incredibly proud of all he has achieved already in this sport.

“He is a fantastic role model for all young people of what can be achieved with hard work and a committed approach.”