CRICKET prodigy Liam Dawson has taken another step towards his dream of playing the game professionally by being selected to represent the West of England.

The 13-year-old Chippenham batsman has been selected to play for the English Cricket Board's West of England team in a regional competition next week.

His team will be facing sides representing the North, South and Midlands regions from Monday through to Thursday next week at Kings College in Taunton.

He plays for the Chippenham and Hampshire U13 teams and is top run scorer for Chippenham's second XI. He chalked up 213 for Chippenham U13s against Westbury and has also had a 100 knock for Hampshire this season.

Dad Andy, who plays for Chippenham's 1st XI, said: "He's putting me to shame. He's really well known round here and he is doing really well."

Dawson said his son's training at Hampshire was really helping to progress his game and added that the set-up at Chippenham also contributed to his superb progress in the sport.

"I used to play for Goatacre but moved to Chippenham to make it easier for Liam," he added.

"The youth set up at Chippenham is superb while the training Liam gets with Hampshire is excellent. Having coaching clinics with the professionals can only do you good."

Dawson said his son first picked up a bat eight years ago after watching him in action. "Being a professional cricketer is all he has ever wanted to be."