Reaching the Paralympics in 2012 has become one of the main goals for hard-working Andrew Skinner.

The 40-year-old can be classed as one of the most devoted sportsmen in Lincolnshire as he pursues his dream of appearing at the London Games.

Currently, Skinner runs the Lincoln Sitting Volleyball Club, plays for East Midlands Lions in the domestic league and turns out for East London Lynx in European competition.

He has stepped up his fitness regime significantly and has put in the hard time and driven the hard miles as he attempts to reach his target.

Most recently, Skinner was selected for the 10-man team which will compete at the World Cup in Egypt between March 19 and March 26.

Those who make the squad are in pole position to appear for Team GB at the larger World Championships event, later this year, and Skinner is determined to make the most of his opportunity.

"I competed in the European Championships last year but I would say this is the biggest event in which I have competed," said Skinner.

"It's a great achievement for me. It's a goal I set myself, to make the squad for both the World Cup and World Championships, because I want to stay in the plans of the head coach in the build-up to the Paralympics.

"I have worked really hard on my fitness and I travel down to London twice a week – east London on Sunday, Roehampton on Monday – plus, I train and play at Loughborough.

"It does take up a lot of my time and it's going to be a busy period, but I am very focussed on my sport.

"I have to say it was a relief to be picked."

Matt Rogers, the Great Britain Sitting Volleyball Programme manager, said Skinner had been extremely impressive in the manner by which he had made significant progress in recent months.

"Andy is one of the most committed people in the squad," said Rogers.

"Eighty per cent of the squad are based in London but he travels down every week. He has taken massive progress recently in terms of his development.

"We have had, in the last six months, a lot of young players coming through. Andy is more experienced and that experience has really helped the team.

"He has also taken massive strides with his training and he is one of the fittest guys in the squad.

"Andy is really determined to play in the Paralympics. I know the GB coach, Ian Le Grand, uses his existing squad as a starting point when choosing players, and he will question the need to make any changes."

And Skinner remains positive he can remain in coach Le Grand's plans during what is set to be a hectic 2010.

"We have a tournament before the World Championships, which is going to be held in Canterbury," said Skinner.

"A lot of European teams are stopping off there before we all head out to the championships, which are being staged in the United States.

"There are lots of tournaments and I want to keep really busy."

If you are interested in joining Lincoln Sitting Volleyball Club, contact Andrew Skinner on 07525 939926.

The first session is free, and sessions cost £2 per session from then on. A tracksuit and a bottle of water are required.