THIRTEEN year-old Tom Dunlop served up an ace performance when he was invited onto TV children's favourite Blue Peter.
Tom, from Bury, is the under-13s national badminton champion and enjoying a very successful season. On TV, he played with fellow national champion, Jenny Wallwork, also 13, from Leeds.
The programme was focusing on Olympic champions of today and tomorrow, and Sydney bronze medallists Simon Archer and Jo Goode also featured.
He's pictured here with Jenny and Blue Peter presenters Matt Baker, Liz Barker and Konnie Huq, and says he had "a fantastic day out." Adds Tom:"I am now the proud owner of a Blue Peter badge -- it's amazing how many places it gets you in free!"
But the event unwittingly revealed another interesting local link.
Young Jenny's dad is Farnworth-born Brian Wallwork, a former Lancashire County badminton star. He's now in sports' development in Yorkshire, with wife Jill who is still a Red Rose regular.
Brian, whose family still live in the Bolton area, is a veteran player now and makes only occasional appearance in tournaments.
But it's nice to see young Jenny doing so well -- and in the company of talented Tom .... whose dad Dave and brother Matthew also play, for Springfields club in the Bolton Badminton League.
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