ROCK Radio presenter in secret Robin Hood guise shock?

No, it's not a spoof headline, it's true.

Rock Radio legend Tom Russell - the man with the deepest voice in radio - has another string to his bow.

Next month he will take off to the World Archery Championships in Namibia as part of the Scottish team.

Tom, of Cumbernauld, is so serious about archery he's become a gold medal winner.

"I'm really looking forward to the trip to Africa. In recent years I've taken part in championships in Finland, Estonia and the US and to be a part of the Scottish team is great."

Tom took up archery after watching wife Sandra compete. She is one of the top 10 field archers in the world, where competitors shoot at targets in different locations.

World Championship events are over five days and involve competing with around 1000 people from different nations.

Sandra began coaching Tom when he showed an interest in the sport.

"Sandra is a top archer, and she is really going for the title," said Tom.

The man who's fronted radio shows for the past 30 years picked up gold as best newcomer' in the US in 2001.

"I couldn't believe it when the judges announced the prize," he said, adding" "I thought I was dreaming it was the only time in my life I've won anything."

"Sandra takes archery far more seriously than me," he said, "And for me to take gold was a wee bit too much. As a result, she didn't speak to me at all on the flight home."

Tom, a former stock car racer, parachutist, rock musician and record shop owner, has taken part in several World Championships.

He will again wear his kilt when he competes.

"I wear it every time," he said. "Except when I shot in Finland I'd heard there quite a few dangerous snakes in the woods." Tom Russell's Show, Tuesday-Friday at 10.40-2pm, on Rock Radio 96.3FM.

Picture: JAMIE SIMPSON