A YOUNG skier started the new season on the front foot with a superb competition victory.

Xavier Poynton, a Year 3 pupil at Rydal Penrhos Prep School in Colwyn Bay, took his place in the U10 age group at the first series of the Pendle Club National, which was the first in a series of events to determine the overall winner in various categories.

The eight-year-old produced another exceptional series of runs to finish at the top of the podium in his age category of choice, with brother Xander cheering him on throughout.

It promises to be another very busy campaign for the aspiring star, who recently took part in a two-week training camp as part of his ongoing involvement with the Ambition Racing Team.

Xavier honed his considerable skills during an action-packed fortnight at the Tignes Ski Resort in France, and this was swiftly followed by another gold medal performance at the Snowsport Cymru Wales Champery Slalom Championships, also in the U10 category.

Alison Hind, head of Rydal Penrhos Prep School, said: “This latest series of achievements for Xavier is a testament to the commitment shown by him and his parents to maximise his potential within the sport.

“The more he is being challenged, the more he is thriving, and his ability to perform consistently well on the big stage is truly extraordinary for someone so young.

“We are proud to have him as a member of the Prep School community here at Rydal Penrhos and look forward to hearing about many more successes in the future.”