A teen from Suffolk is aiming to represent the country in basketball following a call-up to the national training team.

Tim Radiu, a year 11 student at Chantry Academy in Ipswich has been called up to the Great Britain Under-16 Basketball training team.

Following a training camp with the GB team at the National Basketball Performance Centre in Manchester, Tim awaits the next phase of the selection process, which, if successful, will see him secure a sport among the final 12 players representing Team GB at the European Championships in Macedonia this summer.

The youngster, who has represented both Chantry Academy and Ipswich Basketball Club, started playing when he was 11, and has gone on to be named among the top 36 Basketball players in his age group in the country.

Ipswich Star: Gavin Nayler and Tim Rafiu at the National Basketball Performance Centre in ManchesterGavin Nayler and Tim Rafiu at the National Basketball Performance Centre in Manchester (Image: Active Learning Trust)

Tim said: "It was an unbelievable experience to train with the team and to have the opportunity to represent Great Britain and put myself up against the best players in Europe.

"I'm excited about what the future will hold and very grateful for the support of my school, my coaches, and my family."

Chantry Academy executive headteacher, Craig D'Cunha, commented: "We're all immensely proud of Tim for everything he has achieved.

"He sets a fantastic example for other pupils to follow, and we are delighted to see him representing Chantry Academy and the wider Ipswich community, at an international level."

Further to this, PE teacher at the Ipswich-based school, Gavin Nayler, has been called up to the squad, taking on the role of Assistant Coach.