Rising table tennis star Matthew Daish is hoping to serve up more success after securing further sponsorship from Lymington-based Colten Care.

For the second year running the family-owned company, which owns and operates 20 care homes across the South, has agreed to help Matthew cover his travel and coaching costs.

In return the 15-year-old will continue to share tips and offer gentle practice during visits to Colten Care’s dementia care home, Linden House, in Lymington.

Matthew said: “I’m really grateful for Colten Care’s generous support which has allowed me to increase my training greatly this year. I have risen 60 places to 33rd in the England U18 rankings and been invited to play in the German league for Mainz next season. This probably wouldn’t have happened without Colten Care’s help.”

Lymington-based Matthew started playing table tennis at the age of six and became the under-11 national schools champion in 2012. He is currently the under-18 Hampshire county champion and was runner-up in the senior singles event. In April he was one of 32 top players invited to play in the England Junior Nationals at Huddersfield.

Following a training session in Germany, Matthew was spotted by a talent scout for Mainz 05 table tennis club. He has now been invited to play for them in the strong German league next season.

Matthew, whose playing kit features the Colten Care logo, already has a connection with Colten Care having sung in the St Thomas’ church choir on visits to its homes, including Linden House.

Laura Rolph, Colten Care’s Assistant Marketing Manager, said: “We’re very pleased to continue our support for Matthew who’s not just a rising table tennis star but also a great ambassador for Colten Care.”

The lad himself appears below with Laura Rolph on his immediate left and Anita Irvine, Home Manager, Linden House.