Despite being unlucky for some, 13 is currently the favourite number of one Essex Police Officer.

PC Paul Anderson, of the Chelmsford Traffic Police, is celebrating after becoming 13th in the world for canoeing .

He earnt his place after coming 13th in the World Cup Canoeing Series which was held recently in various locations in New Zealand.

PC Anderson competed in six races as a member of the Great Britain national team, achieving his best placing in his first race on the Tongario River in Turangi, in which he came tenth.

Currently second in Britain, PC Anderson's new world ranking is an improvement on last summer, when he finished the world cup finals in 18th position.

The six races were held in the north and south of New Zealand on the Turangi, Taupo, Hutchison and Cromwell rivers.

"The conditions were somewhat different to the ones here, the rivers were amazing. Competing over there was like having the holiday of a lifetime while doing something I love," he added.

PC Anderson, who lives near Police headquarters in Springfield, said the police force have been extremely supportive allowing him to train twice a day with Chelmsford Canoe Club.

"It is always the hope that you will improve from one year to the next but obviously I am over the moon about improving five places," he said.

He is now preparing for the forthcoming European Championships and pre-worlds scheduled for early in the summer.

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