PEEBLES boccia player Patrick Wilson has been selected for Rio.

The 20-year-old, who has cerebral palsy, will compete at the Paralympics as part of Team GB.

The sport, which is similar to boules, requires deep tactical nuance as well as incredible accuracy and control from its athletes.

Games can be nail-bitingly tense with the result often not decided until the final ball is thrown.

As a result, athletes have to maintain intense concentration if they want to come out on top.

The former Peebles High pupil, who is defending his British Championship title this weekend in Surrey, is currently ranked number eight in the world.

But previous championship form, which saw him win two bronze medals in Beijing, puts Patrick amongst the favourites to reach the podium in both the singles and pairs.

Mum Sarah is delighted with this week's selection news. She said: "We are all delighted for Patrick.

"He's as cool as a cucumber and is completely focused on just getting out there to compete at the Paralympics.

"Patrick definitely has medal potential but it will be tough. They go straight into knock out competition so there will be no room for any mistakes."

Patrick's mum and dad, Rob, as well as sister, Ruby, will be jetting out to Brazil to cheer him on.

And if he does reach the latter stages other sister Olivia will also fly out to lend her support.

Sarah added: "Olivia starts university that week and Patrick will be competing during freshers' week.

"We have booked her a stand-by ticket and if he does make it through to the finals she can jump on a plane and get out pretty quickly."

Patrick only took up boccia in 2011.

He won a bronze medal in his first tournament and quickly established himself as one of the best in the UK - winning gold at the British Championships in 2013.

The team of 10 boccia athletes was announced this week British Paralympic Association.

Matt Hammond, Team Leader for GB Boccia, said: "Today’s announcement is a proud moment for me as team leader and I’m delighted to confirm our line-up for Rio.

"The team is as strong as it’s ever been and these athletes have been pushed throughout the qualification period to deliver the performances needed to secure their place on the team.

"I’d like to congratulate the athletes and their competition partners for all of their hard work up to this point and I believe we can pose a real threat to our rivals on the court in Rio."