A BLACKBURN youngster chosen to represent Britain came second in the World Beyblading Championships yesterday.

The New York-based competition held in Times Square was a full day of knockout competitions. Nathan Howorth, eight, of Peel Mount, Knuzden, beat Ireland in the first round before knocking out France in the semi-finals. The Intack Primary school pupil played against the United States in the finals.

Katrina Lines, senior brand manager for Beyblade UK, out in the Big Apple with Nathan and his family thought he was going to win. She said: "It was really close all the way through I really thought he had it at one point."

Nathan's dad, Phil said: "I'm really proud of him to be second in the world is some achievement and we are over the moon." And Nathan added: "This is the best holiday I have ever had."

The tournament held at Paramount House, Times Square, was packed with hundreds of spectators and Katrina said the atmosphere was amazing.

Beyblades are modern-day spinning toys smashing into each other with the last one standing, the winner. It has proved so popular as Britain's top-selling toy for two years that a spin-off cartoon series has been produced.