WIDNES table tennis star Jack Hunter-Spivey is competing in the Slovenia Open next week.

The 20-year-old wheelchair player who has cerebral palsy has already been chosen to represent ParalympicsGB at the Rio Games.

“I'm really looking forward to the tournament in Slovenia,” said Jack, whose family lives in Stewards Avenue.

“It's full of the world’s best players and it is amazing preparation for Rio so I'm looking forward to going out there and showing what I can do.

“My training is going well - I really feel that I am making big progress with my training in Sheffield.”

The former Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College student trained at Halton Table Tennis Centre.

Now based with the GB team in Sheffield, he is world ranked number six in men’s class 5 after winning two medals in the Italian Open in February.

Representing his country at the highest level has always inspired him to improve his performance.

“I have been away to France to train with the French team, who have some of the best players in the world,” added Jack.

“To be part of one of the biggest sporting events in the world is something I am incredibly proud of.”

Jack will be among a 16-strong GB squad competing in Slovenia from May 4-7.