Young seagull imitator prepares to defend European title against his own little sister

Cooper Wallace, the 10-year-old crowned European gull screeching champion last year, is about to defend his title in Belgium but faces stiff competition from much closer to home, as ITV News' Emma Volney reports

The 10-year-old boy who won the European Gull Screeching Championships in 2024 is preparing to defend his title against his own sister.

Cooper Wallace from Chesterfield found unlikely fame last year after his lifelike imitation of a seagull secured him the international title at the competition in Belgium.

He was the first ever British entrant to the competition, but this year Cooper will be competing against his younger sister, Shelby, who is keen to swoop in and snatch the accolade for herself.

Speaking to ITV News while already in his seagull costume, Cooper said "the past year its been absolutely crazy" and that he is feeling "quite nervous" with the pressure, admitting his sister Shelby is "really good too."

The 10-year-old started imitating the bird after a trip to the seaside where a seagull swooped down, stole his sandwich and nipped his finger.

Talking about why she wanted to enter against her big brother, Shelby said: "I wanted to do it because my brother does it and I want [us] to be like each other."

The contestants must mimic the call and the actions of the bird with Cooper scoring 92 out of a possible 100 last year.

Cooper's winning squawks in the competition last year

Ahead of the competition, Cooper and Shelby's mum, Lauren Wallace, said: "It's your worst nightmare having two in the same competition, we don't know how its going to go.

"Cooper has said he would bow out gracefully if Shelby wins, but we'll see on the day."

Since his win, Cooper has been answering constant requests for TV interviews and live appearances, including invitations from ITV News Calendar, Fortnum & Mason and the Natural History Museum.

"It started with a phone call and a few articles on the way home last year from the competition, we then went to video and zoom calls... and then it got bigger and bigger," Lauren said.

"We had TV crews showing up at the door and bookings to radio stations whilst driving to the next interview."

With the rounds of interviews and media attention, Lauren said the experience has given Cooper "a world of confidence."

Speaking about performing in his Christmas school production, Cooper said he would "never have done it before" before winning the competition.

Cooper and his sister will be heading to De Panne in Belgium this weekend to defend his title at the 2025 Gull Screeching Championships on Sunday, April 27.

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