TEENAGER Harvey Merrifield, of Taunton Canoe Club, has been promoted to the Premier Division in kayak slalom competition. 

Despite just turning 16, he is currently the only paddler of any age in the South-West of England to be ranked in the highest division for canoe and kayak slalom. 

Merrifield secured the final 12 points he needed from the Division 1 competition in Llandysul, Wales, to guarantee a place as a K1 Prem paddler.

Now, he is looking forward to his first K1 Prem race at Tees Barrage next weekend. 

The slalom season will finish in October and then he plans to continue training with England coaches through the winter until the new season begins again in March 2018.