A retired photographer from Beaminster is 'hoping' to make it a clean sweep in this year's national shooting competitions.

Lee Bowditch, 64, is looking to add to his already impressive array of silverware as he goes in hunt for the Home International competition in August. 

The tournament is a skeet shooting competition between England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Jersey and is also an Olympic sport.

The retired photographer from Beaminster now competes in the veterans category and will not be heading to the Olympics, but is the current holder of the British Grand Prix, English Grand Prix and English Open in the category.

The only title he has yet to claim this year is the Home International, where he will compete for the England shooting team in Northern Ireland on August 10.

Speaking to the News, Mr Bowditch said: "It is one major trophy I am going for that does not have my name on it yet.

"If I can bring it home I will have all them all in my possession."

The 64-year-old has been shooting 'on and off' for 40 years and also competes in practical shotgun competitions, which involve running and shooting shotguns at targets simultaneously.

However, with a lack of competitions at the moment, he has spent the last two years refocusing on skeet shooting.

The upcoming Home International will be Mr Bowditch's 21st cap for the England, and if last year's tournament is anything to go by, then he very well may be able to help the veterans pick up some silverware.

Last year the team topped the table with a score of 161 points, narrowly defeating Wales who scored 154 points.

Mr Bowditch added: "Winning this trophy would mean I have the big four - there are no others I can get in my category.

"It's everything - this is a major tournament.

"I will try my hardest and hopefully I can bring the trophy back for England."

The 64-year-old will be heading out to Northern Ireland on Thursday, August 8 ahead of a practice day on the Friday, August 9, with a day of competition to be held on Saturday, August 10.