SKI racer Cameron Thomas beat several members of the British Children's team to finish second in the U15 age group in the Anglo Welsh Indoor Championships at the Chill Factore Snowdome.

Thomas, who is 13 and races under the Torquay Alpine Ski Club's banner, stayed on in Manchester for a second day to compete in the British Indoor Championships.

The Brixham Community College pupil was unlucky to miss out on a British medal when he finished fourth - only 0.25 of a second off third.

Two other Torquay racers were in action in the Snowdome, Joe Beasley (17) and Matthew Lugger (15). Both achieved commendable placings against more experienced competition in the older age groups.

Thomas has been consistently strong on snow all winter and put in strong performances in the Scottish and British Championship races in France just before Easter.

Now he has moved to the top of his age group, Thomas is starting to earn podium finishes and the Torquay club is optimistic about his chances on dry slopes over the summer.

Nigel Simmons, the club's junior race chairman, said: "Because of funding constraints Cameron has to spend a lot more time training on plastic than on snow, so the dry slope races should be a more level playing field for him against his main rivals.

"He will also continue to race in snowdomes throughout the summer and the club hopes he can repeat some of his success he had in the national U13 age group two years ago."

Thomas has been getting some tips from the top from TASC's Great Britain team member Jai Geyer, who is currently on the road to recovery from knee trouble.

"Jai is working hard to get fit again but the club has been very pleased that he has made the time to come up to the slope and work with our next generation of racers," said Simmons.

Simmons said Thomas needs more time on snow next winter, so he can continue to show his ability to compete with the best in the UK, which means more sponsorship to cover it.

Thomas already has support from local companies Scan and Go, Crispin Associates, Flite Media and South West Colour Labs, as well as international ski and sports company Salomon.

More information and video can be found on Cameron's website www.cameronthomas.co.uk and www.scanandgo.co.uk