A Yarmouth-born basketball player has spoken of his delight at being able to live his American dream.

A Yarmouth-born basketball player has spoken of his delight at being able to live his American dream. Patrick Manifold is captain of the team at the University of Maine at Presque Isle where he is studying for a degree in business management.

After his first year in America, Patrick was named 'NCAA III Ind. National Rookie of the Year' and was also included in the 'Who's Who Amongst Students in American Universities and Colleges.'

He is set to graduate in May and hopes to pursue his dream of playing professionally. 'Getting my 1000th point recently was an amazing feeling. Coming from England where basketball is not very popular and coming to America to play at a high level against great players every week was obviously a tough transition, which makes this a great accomplishment for me.'

'I was humbled by the whole experience and really enjoyed the moment.'

Patrick went to the local first and middle school at Saint Mary's and high school at Notre Dame in Norwich, where he found basketball. He was later was spotted by coach James Bamfield and moved to King's Lynn to attend the College of West Anglia.

At the age of 16 he began playing for National League men's team the King's Lynn Fury (later the College of West Anglia Fury).

After a successful year in National League Division One of English basketball Patrick set his sights on playing college basketball in America and left King's Lynn in 2009.