YOUNG fencers from the Isle of Man who could be Olympic stars of the future are training with a Commonwealth fencing veteran.

The Island's young fencing team has received funding from the London Mint Office which has enabled them to train with Henry de Silva.

Henry, 77, lives in Andreas and has lived in the Isle of Man for the past 15 years.

He started fencing at the age of 14 and won three county championships, the Commonwealth veterans gold medal - twice - and a number of country titles across New Zealand, Australia and parts of the Western Hemisphere.

Henry said: "I saw how involved the London Mint is in the Olympics and thought as a long-time customer they might want to support the Isle of Man's youth fencing team. I was delighted when they stepped forward and made a donation."

The Isle of Man fencing team brings together students, aged between seven and 17, from 38 schools across the Island once a week. Fencer Thomas Corlett, who is 17 and from Douglas, has been tipped as a UK Olympic star in the making after recently winning three national competitions.

Nick Hart, spokesperson for the London Mint Office, said: "We're always keen to support talented young individuals. Mr de Silva's suggestion about the Isle of Man Olympic hopefuls caught our attention.

"We're extremely proud to help where we can and will be keeping in contact with their Commonwealth master to hear how the squad progresses."

Picture caption:

Back row L to R: Jake Rummey, Jowi Szetu, Henry de Silva, Arthur Banke-Jones, George Sanders, Robin Burchill.
Front row L to R: Brynley Mayhew, Elizabeth Cannell Tyler Moughlin, Megan Hoare Mulliner.