George wins amazing 24th world title

But the Northiam marksman’s latest success in the United States last weekend was quite possibly the best of the lot.

Digweed won the 2015 World English Sporting Championship at the South Florida Shooting Ground by the emphatic margin of nine clays with a total of 208/225.

His wife Kate said: “I’ve seen George shoot for 25 years and I’ve never seen him shoot as well. It was a massive score and he was made up with it.

“He won in South Africa, then we went to Dubai and he didn’t shoot so well in Dubai. I think people started doubting him so he had a point to prove and he proved it.”

Despite 100 degree heat in Palm City, Digweed made a brilliant start to an event contested by 750 competitors from all over the world. He scored 93/100 on the tough Blue Course, which was seven more than the next best score on that layout.

He then hit 94/200 on the Red Course for a total of 187/200, which was seven better than his nearest rival, who at that stage was Derrick Mein.

The top six shooters after the first two days went into a ‘super final’ consisting of 25 targets on a new course and the scores they had already achieved were carried forward.

Digweed landed 21/15 in the super final, extending his advantage by a further two clays. American shooter Wendell Cherry was the runner-up on 199, with England team top shot Nick Hendrick third on 198 and Mein fourth on 197.

The remarkable Digweed turned 51 during the competition and the victory was the perfect birthday present, particularly given the dominant fashion by which it was achieved.

In addition to his 24 World Championship victories, Digweed has won 18 European Championships, 116 international championships, 16 World Cups, 10 European Cups and 11 British & English Championships during a glittering career. He also received an MBE in 2009.