A DECADE of being nuts about shooting has earned Terry Almond the field target world championship crown.

The driving examiner hit a remarkable 145 out of 153 targets at the championships held in Newbury.

Success came as a big shock to Terry who had gone to compete thinking his best chance of success was in the veteran's class.

He said: "It's a tough competition and my aim was to win the veteran's trophy. I didn't expect to pick up the main prize as well so it was a good three days' shooting for me."

Terry, of Burtonwood, was one of a field of 175 competitors from around the world who travelled round a long course on each of the three days, trying to hit targets hidden in the landscape with a low power air rifle.

He added: "The targets are dotted about in trees, hidden in dark spots or out in the open and you have to spot them before you try to hit them.

"The rifles are low power so you have to take conditions like the wind into account when you're shooting."

Despite only missing eight targets out of 150, Terry still found himself tied in first place with Yorkshireman Andy Calpin.

Terry said: "Andy is a great shot and he'd won just about every other competition there was apart from this one so I knew how keen he was. I was drawn to go first in the shoot out and managed to hit all three targets.

"I couldn't watch when Andy was shooting but it didn't sound right on his second shot and all of a sudden everyone was gathering round congratulating me. It was my first major title so it was a great feeling."

To find out more about field target shooting contact Warrington coordinator Norma Almond on 227394.

Terry Almond with the field target shooting World Championship trophy.No.DTA01998

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