A LUDLOW shooter has proved that hard work pays off following a storming start to 2015.

Zara Roberts is on course to be selected for England at the Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast City in Australia in 2018 despite only picking up a rifle two-and-a-half years ago.

And the 23-year-old has achieved this despite suffering with a number of rare and complex medical conditions.

Zara has Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, which causes a large increase in heart rate, and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, an inherited connective tissue disorder.

"Very few people have them and it can be quite severe with their symptoms," said Roberts, who is a member of Leominster Rifle and Pistol Club.

"It's been a real struggle to get to this point but I am overjoyed with my success.

"I've become a member of West Midland Target Shooting Squad and ultimately being selected for Team England National Squad Academy.

"I am currently on a training plan towards representing my country at national and international level shooting matches and as part of Team England I am also under selection for Gold Coast - Commonwealth Games 2018."

Last season, Roberts won gold in the Eley Final at the Bisley National Championships, as well as winning many other indoor and outdoor accolades.

And she has started this year in the same manner with the aim of more accomplishments.

She returns to Bisley tomorrow for the National Small Bore meeting having once again qualified for the Eley Finals.

"Aside from being a top level athlete I am an extremely hard working, enthusiastic and determined individual who strives on being the best of the best," added Roberts, who is a qualified estate agent and interior designer.

"I've always been interested in shooting and joined Leominster Rifle and Pistol Club two and half years ago.

"It's just progressed from there."