Basildon javelin ace Aaron Cramp has come within agonizing inches of smashing an 18-year Essex throwing record.

The 15-year-old, who attends the town's Woodlands school, fell just short of his 51 metres target as he picked up yet another Essex District title, in the under-17 category, at Basildon's Gloucester Park.

However, Aaron, of Vangehill Drive, was not too despondent as he has eye on bigger and better competition.

"I wasn't too disappointed because I can have another crack at the record again next year," he said.

"I still won the overall Essex title, with a throw of 50.45, and now I'm looking forward to competing in the All England finals in Sheffield in July."

Aaron's latest triumph in county competition completed an impressive hat-trick of Essex titles, which has come hot-on-the-heels of his silver medal winning performance in last weekend's South of England finals in Watford.

The Basildon teenager launched his javelin 51.98 metres at the Woodside stadium achieving second place in the under-17 contest - eight inches behind Haringey's Anthony Lovett in first place.

"Aaron did very well at Watford and proved he is getting stronger and stronger," said his proud mum Kim.

"His average distance is around 52 metres this year, which would have landed him the Essex record, and I think his performances are beginning to raise a few eyebrows.

"He has been introduced to a couple of national coaches and if he continues to develop as he is Aaron can go on and achieve a lot more in this sport."

However, aerodynamic Aaron, who regularly takes flying lessons at Southend Airport and eventually wants to pursue a career as a pilot, is now focused on his impending trip to Sheffield.

"I'm looking forward to my trip to Yorkshire because it will provide one of my toughest tests yet," said the youngster, who harbours ambitions of making it into the Great Britain squad.

"I will be up against top athletes and will consider it a major achievement if I can finish the day in the top ten.

"I was fifth in the country for my age group last year and this sort of competition gives me a chance to improve on that standing."

Picture, top: Aaron Cramp - setting his sights high at the All England finals in Sheffield next month.

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