CRAVEN Shooting Ground at Coniston Cold will be the scene of Olympic celebrations in the near future following the silver medal success of Ian Peel in Sydney.

Skipton-born Peel, a 42-year-old textile worker who now lives in Great Harwood, won Britain's second medal of the games when he took silver in the men's trap discipline behind Australia's Michael Diamond.

Peel, a proud Yorkshireman whose mum lives in Slaidburn, has been a long-time friend of Keith Whitwell, the owner of Craven Shooting Grounds and uses the venue from time to time for a spot of recreational shooting..

"We've been friends since we were shooting together in our 20s and it was obvious then that he was an exceptional talent, even though he is a modest chap," says Whitwell: "I helped raise some money for him when he went to the Seoul games and I suppose we probably chat on the phone at least once a week.

"We always felt that he was a strong medal contender in Sydney even though he played down his chances and everyone here is really thrilled about his success.

"He's due back at work on Monday and I'm hoping we'll be able to congratulate him in person and have a look as his medal."