Team England’s clay target shooting team has been revealed and it includes Aaron Heading of Long Sutton.

Cambs Times: Defending Gold medalist Aaron Heading, from Long Sutton, has been named in the Commonwealth Games England Clay Target Team.Defending Gold medalist Aaron Heading, from Long Sutton, has been named in the Commonwealth Games England Clay Target Team. (Image: Archant)

The squad of 11 brings the shooting team’s total number up to 25 and includes BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year Amber Hill and record setter and double gold medallist Charlotte Kerwood.

Two of England’s squad will be aiming to defend their Delhi 2010 titles as Aaron Heading (men’s trap) and Steve Scott (men’s double trap pairs) both return, whilst Charlotte Kerwood and Rachel Parish, who between them won four medals at the Melbourne 2006 Games, are reunited after their events returned to the sports programme.

Aaron Heading who won Gold at Delhi in 2010 and a World Cup in 2013, said: “It feels amazing, but as always there’s a lot of hard work to do. It’s my life, everything in my life revolves around shooting, and it’s a fantastic sport to be involved in.”

Team England Chef de Mission Jan Paterson welcomed the 11 to the team.

He said: “This group of athletes completes our shooting squad and I’d like to welcome them all to Team England. They’re a hugely talented group of athletes who are committed to playing their part in our success in Glasgow.”

Matt French said: “I am over the moon to be representing England at the games! This is the high point in my shooting career so far and a dream comes true.

“If I never fire another shot after the Games I can retire a happy man knowing I have achieved something very special.”

“My minimum aim is to make the top 6 final but realistically I won’t be happy if I don’t return with a medal.”

All 11 athletes won selection from an initial training squad of 18 hopefuls, following three selection shoots.

The clay target shooting team will arrive in Glasgow on July 17 and then head up to their base in Dundee to familiarise themselves with Barry Buddon Shooting Centre in Carnoustie.