A DEVIZES man has signed a professional contract with a global TV channel and will start filming for his new six-part series later this month.

James Threlfall, who grew up in Melksham, agreed terms in October with AMC Networks International, which broadcasts hit programmes such as Breaking Bad on its AMC channel.

Mr Threlfall’s skating programme will air around spring time in 2017 on the Extreme Sports Channel, which is watched by people in 60 countries across the world.

“I’m so excited to start filming, I’ve worked so hard to get to this stage,” said the former St Augustine’s and Corsham School pupil.

“The series will feature six episodes in which I travel to different countries around Europe and explore how various people and projects have taken skateboarding to another level.

“It will be a fusion of a skateboarding programme and a travelling programme, which was an idea thought up over the course of two years between myself and the Extreme Sports Channel’s bosses.

“It’s going to involve a lot of hard work and lots of very early mornings but it will definitely be worth it.”

With the sport set to feature in the 2020 Olympics for the first time ever, the professional skateboarder, who represents international brand Element, has set his eyes on being the man responsible for heading up the BBC’s coverage.

He added: “I’ve always been really passionate about combining my love of skateboarding with my love of presenting.

“I was so stoked when talks with AMC first began. It still feels like it isn’t quite real, to be honest.

“To be able to present the Olympics coverage in 2020 would be a dream come true for me. It’s such an exciting time for skateboarding right now and I think it’s on the verge of blowing up big time.”

The series will be shot by a production company which is headed up by Mr Threlfall himself and his friend, Peter Pickford, with additional crew assistance from Jack Abbott and Matt James.

Aside from launching his presenting career on the big screen, Mr Threlfall works part-time as a marketing assistant for Inner Flame, a Swindon-based charity which helps and supports young people that have found themselves at a disadvantage.

He is also spearheading a project to make vast improvements to Melksham Skatepark.

“Skateboarding is so great because it’s so easy for anyone to get involved with - all you need is a board,” he said.

“It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get to a good standard, which in turn improves people’s patience and self-discipline.”

Mr Threlfall will start shooting for the series at the end of November.