Ashley, who has just left Bruntcliffe High School, is the current Yorkshire Junior Champion and only narrowly missed out on selection for the England side.

A rare hobby, perhaps, but Ashley is a natural, ranked 12th-best junior in the country in a sport where juniors are categorised up to aged 21.

Ashley gained his obsession at a shoot based in Otley ran by his father Ian's sister Angela Agar and brother-in-law Robert.

Angela herself has been picked for England ladies recently while Robert has also got national honours.

National selection remains Ashley's aim and his dad is delighted he is breaking the norm for activities in his spare time.

"It's just him who does it out of his friends but we live in Drighlington and there is a bit of a problem with kids and anti-social behaviour and things," said Young.

"They are getting popped up on the side of streets on alcopops and that's why we are all keen on him keeping it up.

"He helps out at the shoot and spends all weekend there so it keeps him off the street.

"He also has a shotgun licence and if he was caught drinking on the street he'd lose his licence.

"It's fantastic, it's been a good lesson for him and he's learned he has to live a decent life if he wants to keep his hobby."

Ian himself has past shooting experience but admits such is Ashley's clear talent, his time is now dedicated to his son.

"I used to do a bit of rough shooting like rabbits and pheasants and that but I don't have time now as I'm always carting Ashley about!" he said. "He's better than me now so all the effort and money goes into him.

"He didn't get in the national team but he's now 12th in the country and to even get invited there he had to get into the top 25.

"He's only 15 so to get into the top 25 when juniors go up to 21 is quite an achievement.

"His prospects are very good and at the moment he is Yorkshire County Junior Champion."

Ashley is literally shooting for the stars but Ian admits, as with all sports at this level, sponsorship is crucial to his development.

"What we're after long term is some sponsorship as it can be getting on for £600, £700 for a weekend," he said.

"We were at a shoot the other weekend and he came third – he said 'I could do with another go' but I said 'where do you think all this money is coming from?'"

Anybody interested in sponsoring Ashley should call Ian on 07971997358 for further details.