A BARRY youngster will be flying the flag for Wales – albeit under the banner of England - when he represents the nation in Canada next year.

12-year-old Lewis Davies is the only Welsh ice-hockey player to feature in the England U13 squad which will compete in the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey tournament in February. The net-minder (or goalie), who also plays for the Cardiff Junior Devils, earned England selection as there is no team for Wales in the age group.

The Ysgol Bro Morgannwg Year 8 pupil - whose 27-year-old half-brother Owain is also an ice hockey player – began watching the sport at the age of four, and started playing aged six when he was a pupil at Ysgol St Curig.

But his position is the most costly on the ice – because of all the extra protective kit needed – and the youngster is hoping businesses and individuals may be able to help support his training and make his future sporting plans a reality.

Dad Peter Davies, 55, said: "He said he’d give net-minding a go, and my bank balance has dropped ever since because it's the most costly position to fund!

“But he's improved much in the last three years." Kit items can cost from £60 to more than £700 for pads. Lewis and his family also have to fund travel and board to monthly training sessions that take him to rinks throughout England, as well as his two-and-a-half-week Canadian trip in February.

"It would give me a lot of inspiration to know people want me to do well," said Lewis.

Barry-based LDS Motor Factors, Dennis Pounder Travel and Peacocks have so far made offers of support. Any businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring or supporting Lewis can email lewisthenetminder@hotmail.co.uk