DRUMCHAPEL Table Tennis Club’s Martin Perry won the Class 6 singles title at the BPTT National Championships in Grantham, beating the European bronze medallist and three time Paralympian David Wetherill 3-2 in a thrilling final.

It is the first time Perry has become British champion and he did it the hard way as he ousted world number five Wetherill.

The victory caps a terrific week for Perry as he earlier won promotion to the British Para Table Tennis Team Performance Squad.

Perry said: “To beat someone like Dave who is in top five in the world is a fantastic result for me.

“It was a really good match and we both played really good table tennis. It means an awful lot to me to be National champion.

“I’ve been Scottish champion a few times and that means a lot to me but to say that I am British champion as well is a fantastic feeling.”

The 22-year-old has progressed well through the rankings since being based full time at the GB training base in Sheffield and having been part of the Pathway Squad since 2013 has now been selected for the elite Performance Squad.

He was also named player of the tournament in Grantham.

He added: “I’m really happy with the improvement in my game but I think that comes with being where I am.

“Training in Sheffield full time with the guys that are there can only bring me on – these guys are Paralympic champions, World champions, European champions and there is a vast amount of experience in the squad.

“It is an amazing place to be and I’m so happy to be there.”