SHOOTER Jeremy Bland added to his medal collection after helping England strike gold at the Home Nations international tournament in Ireland.

The 73-year-old, from West Bergholt, joined forces with Norfolk’s John Dyson to win the super veterans’ category, for over-65s.

Bland finished with a total of 78 points from a possible 100 at the prestigious clay pigeon event, at the Esker ground in Banagher, County Galway.

England dominated, winning all the different classes, against opposition from Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

And for Bland himself, it capped a pleasing weekend and added to his medal collection, having previously won two silvers at the World Championships and two golds, four silvers and one bronze at the European Championships.

“It was very satisfying,” said Bland, who was competing in the FITASC (Fédération Internationale de Tir aux Armes Sportives de Chasse) Sporting discipline.

“Most competitors agreed it was a difficult course with very challenging targets, resulting in lower-than-normal top-end scores.

“Our discipline is one of the hardest in clay pigeon shooting, so it was a real test.

“I was pleased it went so well, both personally and for England.”

Bland, born and bred in Colchester, has represented Essex and Great Britain, in addition to previous England appearances.

He has been shooting all his life, since the age of five, and been competing in clay pigeon shooting for 35 years.

During his working life he managed the Peugeot garage in Wimpole Road.