Lord of the ring aged 14 going for gold

The Bradford wrestler is ranked number one in Britain, has won English, Scottish and British championships over the last two years and is a member of the British Wrestling Association's under-19s national squad.

Now the schoolboy has his sight set on Olympic glory on his home turf as he gears up for the Games in London in 2012.

Thomas, who attends St Bede's School, hopes to win the 2010 national championships and his long-term goal is to compete in the Olympic Games in both 2012 and in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.

The youngster received a boost after he was awarded 1,000 from Bradford Council and SportsAid to help him fulfil his dream.

The regional development manager at SportsAid, Rob Clarke, said: "Thomas is yet another outstanding example of the level of athlete SportsAid and the council have been supporting over the last three years.

"He has made it to the top of his sport with a lot of hard work, dedication and talent and he is a great ambassador for his sport and for Bradford.

"It is our aspiration that we not only give the emerging athletes a boost on their journey, but that we encourage young people to follow in their footsteps."

Thomas is the first of 15 young people to benefit from the jointly-funded sports scheme which recognises people in the Bradford district who, through their achievements, encourage others to exercise.

Thomas, of New Line, Greengates, Bradford, will use the grant to travel to competitions abroad and pay for equipment, coaching fees and his special diet.

Bradford Council's assistant director for culture, tourism and sport, Jane Glaister, said: "We are delighted to support Thomas as he has a tremendous talent but is also a terrific role model because his attitude and dedication to sport is second to none.

"He has consistently performed to an exceptionally high standard and has a very real possibility of competing in the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

"It is so important that we recognise and support our talented young athletes and through the SportsAid b active awards, we are able to direct some funds to assist them to reach their full potential and hopefully to represent the district at full international level."

Thomas was nominated for the funding by the National Governing Body of Sport.