Jon Emmett is celebrating after taking a step towards realising his Olympic dream.

Emmett won a bronze medal in the European Laser Radial Championships at Bangor, Northern Ireland.

The event was won by France's Benoit Rathalen with Steve Cockerill, from Emsworth, runner-up.

But Emmett considers the experience a positive one as he plots his campaign to compete in the Beijing Games of 2008.

Emmett, from East Grinstead, said: "The conditions were very light throughout the six days of competition. That made it difficult for me because I am reasonably light myself. The fact I did so well was very encouraging.

"It means the year is going pretty well. I was seventh in the World Championships a few months ago and got another third in the Europa Cup, which is part of a series, in Poland.

"My aim is to eventually switch to the 49ers. That's the class I want to compete in when it comes round to China."