BAREFOOT water-skier Tom Heaps has enjoyed a successful year across the globe, breaking a world record in the process.

The 17-year-old from Grappenhall Heys produced a superb jump of 27.6 metres at the European Championships in Sweden to set a new junior world benchmark.

Heaps, a former student of Bridgewater Community High School, also scooped both the European and World Junior Championships during a huge 2016.

Mum Lisa hailed the achievements of her son, who works as an apprentice for Thomson R Electricals, who are based in Winwick.

“He’s had an incredibly successful year,” she said.

“The record he broke had stood for more than a decade so that shows just how well he’s done.

“He’s still training hard on the River Weaver for next year although hopefully he’ll be able to get out to train in America in the near future.

“That’s where all the best in his sport train.”

After showing his class in the junior ranks, Heaps has also made his mark in men’s contests and is currently ranked 10th in the world in the jump discipline – one of three in the sport along with slalom and trick.

The teenager took up water-skiing when he was just five and was approached to try the barefoot discipline at 13 while on a family holiday in the Cotswolds.

The sport is growing in popularity, and has a strong following in Australia, Canada and the USA.