George Dickson

4:00pm - 7:00pm

Email the studio

Elton John

Are You Ready For Love

Listen Live Podcasts

Champion archer from Ripon wins county trophy

Monday, 20 October 2025 07:00

Winner: Ripon Grammar pupil James Howard, 11.

A young Ripon archer ranked number one in the UK battled torrential rain and strong winds to triumph in the Northern Counties championship.

James Howard, 11, represented Yorkshire juniors when he shot a traditional English longbow in a tournament against Cheshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland.

Winning the individual distance and overall longbow golds, alongside the team longbow trophy, this is the second year running he has been named Northern Counties champion.

James, from Ripon, is a certified Master Bowman and was inspired by his mother to take up archery when he was eight years old, joining the Thirsk Bowmen club.

He went on to represent Yorkshire for three years running and now holds four national records in longbow.

The highlight of his archery career was being ranked Junior Longbow Male Number 1 by Archery Great Britain last year, based on his tournament scores throughout the year.

James got his Indoor Grand Master Bowman classification this year after shooting high level scores several times in a record status competition.

But it is the fun side of archery, rather than the competition, which he enjoys. He said:

“I like meeting lots of new friends and going to new places to shoot tournaments.”

He also enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons, Scouts and Air Rifle shooting:

“At school, I like aspiring authors and history debate club."

More from Local News

Lightwater Valley reveals reopening date

Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park has confirmed it will reopen to visitors for a new season on Saturday 28th March.
Harrogate teachers brave blizzard conditions in latest running challenge

Two teachers from a Harrogate independent prep school have completed their latest running challenge – exactly 12 months after they tackled an iconic half marathon in Norway.
Conservative councillors take swipes at Reform amid budget talks

Senior North Yorkshire Conservative councillors took veiled - and not so veiled - swipes at Reform while discussing their authority’s finances at a key meeting.
Date revealed for Knaresborough Tractor Run

The date has been confirmed for this year's Knaresborough Tractor Run, which is set to return on Sunday 8th March.
Yorkshire Air Ambulance appoints new CEO

Yorkshire Air Ambulance Charity has announced the appointment of Kathryn Marsden OBE as its new Chief Executive Officer
Council to increase council tax by maximum after £43m "wallop" from government

Council chiefs say they have no choice but to raise council tax by the maximum allowed after receiving a £43m "wallop" in cuts from the government.
Harrogate dad takes on 40,000-mile yacht race for bereavement charity

A Harrogate man is taking on a 40,000-mile yacht race to give back to the charity that supported his son through the loss of his mother.
Harrogate BID backs return of town's popular Restaurant Week

Harrogate BID is supporting the return of Harrogate Restaurant Week, which will take place from Monday 16th to Sunday 22nd February 2026.
Cost of Harrogate garden bin licence revealed

Harrogate residents are being reminded to purchase their garden waste collection licence ahead of the launch of the annual service in March.
Spirit of Harrogate to enter administration

A well-known Harrogate gin business is preparing to enter administration, with efforts now underway to find a buyer.
Call for council to support pubs and hospitality businesses

A North Yorkshire councillor and former publican has called for more support for the county’s pubs and hospitality businesses, saying the "system is stacked against them".
Ripon MP says Kex Gill realignment scheme is making 'good progress'

Ripon MP Julian Smith has shared an update on the works at Kex Gill.
Northern Powergrid issue update on Leeds Road traffic lights

Northern Powergrid has provided an update after ongoing issues affecting the traffic lights at the Leeds Road crossroads in Harrogate.
Sir Stephen Fry sends mental health message to Harrogate College students

Sir Stephen Fry has sent a personalised video message to students at Harrogate College focusing on mental health.
Harrogate Cat Rescue appeals for urgent support as vet bills soar

Harrogate Cat Rescue has issued an urgent public appeal as soaring veterinary bills push the charity into crisis.
Cuts may be needed to balance budget at North Yorkshire Police

Cuts may be needed to balance the budget at North Yorkshire Police after the force received a lower than expected settlement from the government, councillors will be told next week.
Harrogate BID unveils full programme for town's Self Care Week

Harrogate BID has announced the full programme of events for the third annual Harrogate Self Care Week.
Pateley hit-and-run: Man charged with two further offences

A man has been charged with two further offences as the investigation into the fatal hit and run collision in Pateley Bridge continues.
Opinions sought on new specialist autism school in Harrogate

A public consultation is taking place on plans to open a new specialist autism school in Harrogate.
Harrogate MP sparks Parliamentary debate on water bosses flouting bonus ban

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has secured a parliamentary debate to hold water company bosses to account.