YOUNG Wye canoeist Sid Griffiths has triumphed at the European Canoe Association Slalom Championships.

The 14-year-old Symonds Yat paddler’s combined results from competitions in Slovakia, Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland secured him the overall championship title for both kayak and canoe.

Sid, who trains with the Wyedean Canoe Club under the expert guidance of coach Mike Mitchell and lives in the Forest of Dean, received a £2,200 grant from Gloucestershire Freemasons, enabling him to purchase the additional canoe he needed.

Ian Davies, head of Gloucestershire’s 2,500 Freemasons, said: “It’s been a joy to meet Sid and his mum Georgia and to hear all about what he’s achieved in such a challenging sport.

“It’s so important to enable our talented young people to achieve the absolute best they possibly can.

“We’re proud to have played our part and grateful to Fiona (Carter) of CASS – the Cotswold Athletes Support Scheme and Friends for making it happen, and freemasons for their generosity, as we are completely reliant upon donations to enable us to help these great role models get as far as their talents will take them.”

CASS & Friends supports young athletes aged 12-18 through financial support, mentoring, and guidance on nutrition and mental resilience.