A TALENTED teenager gave up a trip of a lifetime to run for Scotland at a prestigious competition.

Josh Law, a Clydeview Academy pupil, was due to fly out to Cuba for a two week break with his parents Alastair and Kim and sisters Erin and Olivia.

But instead of joining his family by the pool, the determined 15-year-old from Gourock stayed at home after being selected to represent his country at the Schools International Athletics meeting in Grangemouth.

The decision to forego his holiday paid off as the promising young Inverclyde Athletic Club star set a personal best time in the 1,500m steeplechase.

His proud mum Kim said: "When we heard he was selected, I knew he would never come on holiday because this was something that he's always strived for.

"We looked at ways of trying to work round it so we could be there to see him compete but we had to accept that we were not going to be there.

"Fortunately my mum and dad were able to look after him so he stayed with them."

Josh, who lives with his family in Taymouth Drive, was selected following an excellent run at the Scottish Schools Championships back in June where he clocked up a personal best time.

When the news arrived a few days later that he had been selected to compete against the best steeplechasers from England, Ireland and Wales, Josh had no hesitation in asking his parents that he be allowed to stay behind whilst they headed off on a long anticipated trip of a lifetime.

Kim says Josh is devoted to the sport.

She said: "Josh has been an athlete for a very long time and trains about five or six times a week.

"This was the icing on the cake for him to get a Scotland vest - it's amazing.

"He set a personal best time, which was fab."

During his race, Josh didn’t disappoint the supporters who travelled through with him, including his grandparents Pat and Les McDowall when he produced another personal best.

And despite being 5,000 miles away, Josh’s family were able to cheer him on as they watched online in their hotel in Cuba.

Gerry Gaffney, from Inverclyde Athletic Club, says Josh is an inspiration to the younger athletes at the club.

He said: "Josh has always been conscious of the help he has received developing as an athlete so is keen to give something back.

"He has trained to become a Scottish Athletics leader and regularly gives up his spare time to help encourage and nurture the younger members of IAC and youngsters who attend mini athletics sessions. "

Josh, who has been a member at Inverclyde Athletic Club since first joining as a six year old, has thanked his coaches, fellow athletes, the club committee and his parents.