Boy's cycling design chosen for Olympic 50p coin

Judges said Theo's design 'captured the essence of cycling'

A design by a West Yorkshire teenager has been chosen from more than 3,000 entries to become a new 50p coin inspired by the Olympic Games.

Theo Crutchley-Mack, 16, from Halifax, said it was "absolutely amazing" that his picture of a cyclist in a velodrome was chosen by the Royal Mint.

His design was also seen and approved by the Queen.

Up to three million of Theo's coins will be released into circulation later this year.

"Just the thought of my design going throughout England and millions of people seeing my design, that's just absolutely amazing, I can't think of much better than that," Theo said.

Dave Knight, head of commemorative coins at the Royal Mint, explained the judges' choice.

"It's a very good design, irrespective of Theo's age, it is very good," he said.

Theo's prize included a gold coin featuring his design

"It is technically very proficient, and he has really captured the essence of speed and cycling in general," he said.

Theo was awarded with a special commemorative gold coin featuring his design.

The teenager, who is a keen cyclist himself, described how the picture had been lost under a pile of papers before his mother found it and encouraged him to send it in to the competition.

Theo's coin is the second in a series of 29 officially licensed commemorative Olympic 50p coins. The first was created by nine-year-old Florence Jackson and unveiled in October last year.

Each coin in the series depicts a different Olympic and Paralympic sport, with the remaining 27 coins to be announced later this year.