A GIFTED young Garnock Valley ski ace has been picking up a host of prizes.

Deja Parker (8), a St Palladius Primary School pupil, took up the sport of the pistes three years ago and is now considered a top prospect.

The Dalry youngster recently won a silver medal in an event, held in Aberdeen as part of the Triple Crown as well as gold in the Scottish Schools Under-12 event.

Silver medal glory was celebrated in the recent British Championships and bronze was secured in an Under-12s competition staged at Bearsden Ski Centre.

He will head to Aberdeen on November 3 to take part in the Go Big or Go Home event. This event will feature competitors from across the UK. He can look forward to the second part of the Triple Crown in early December.

His grandfather John Parker said: "In terms of ability, Deja rates alongside a 12 or 13-year-old and he beats them regularly in competitions. He gets the points he needs from one run and they need two runs to achieve it.

"He first got into skiing when he tried it out three years ago at Snow Factor in Braehead and absolutely loves it."

Coach Neil McGrath said: "Deja is a really good ski rider and has had some success. For an eight-year-old he is talented."