TROWBRIDGE junior international high jumper Tom Gale has made a terrific start to the new year.

The John of Gaunt School student headed across the Severn Bridge on Sunday to the National Indoor Arena for the Cardiff Met Indoor Open meeting, which incorporated the South West Indoor Championships.

From a field of 13 Gale claimed second overall, matching the height of 2016 Rio Olympian and UK number one Chris Baker.

Both cleared 2.15m and went on to attempt 2.20m with Gale’s second jump being agonisingly close.

Neither was able to clear 2.20 but Gale was awarded the South West gold to retain his title as Baker, who jumped 2.36m indoors last year, is not from the region.

“This was a fantastic start to his 2017 season with a jump just 3cm short of his World Championships personal best last year and will hopefully be an indication of great things to come this year,” said Gale’s father Mark.

Gale has been invited to take part in a high class competition in Cologne, Germany, on Wednesday, January 25 where he will be up against world ranked high jumpers like Edgar Rivera (Mexico), Luis Castro (Puerto Rico) and Baker.

Also in Cardiff Hilperton’s Rory Howorth clocked a personal best of 54.05secs in the 400m.