Banstead hurdler Jacob Paul will use European Champion Dai Greene as his inspiration when he makes his Great Britain bow at the European Youth Olympic Festival in Trabzon, Turkey, this weekend.

Greene has been making the world take note with his performances so far this season, including a Diamond League win in Birmingham, and is a serious contender for World Championship gold in South Korea next month.

And Paul, who is part of 64-strong squad heading to Turkey, is setting his sights on one day emulating Greene by dominating on the world stage.

"The 400m hurdles in Great Britain is in fantastic shape at the moment," said Wilson School pupil Paul, who heads the GB U17 rankings this year.

"I have been watching Dai Greene and Jack Green competing and they are doing really well.

"It is great seeing them run so quickly, and I hope that if I keep going I will be able to follow in their footsteps.

"I can’t wait to go out to Turkey for the experience and it will be my first event racing for GB so I am really excited.

"I don’t really know what to expect in terms of position but I will see if I can get a personal best and get into the final. After that, with hurdles you never know."

Paul competed for England in the Home International Championship in Cardiff last Saturday and came away with a gold medal and new personal best.

The 16-year-old ran 52.73 seconds, the first time he has dipped under 53 seconds.

He was followed home by fellow Epsom & Ewell Harrier Lolu Olowole-Ojo, who also recorded a personal best by running 54.52, and the two teamed up as part of the 400m relay team that took gold.

Another Epsom athlete, Shona Richards, won silver in the U17 300m hurdles with a personal best 43.86 and won gold in the 300m relay.

Lloyds TSB is a Proud Partner of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Official Supporter of Team GB on their journey to the European Youth Olympic Festival. Visit: lloydstsb.com/london2012