A SCHOOL'S new-found enthusiasm for rugby earned them a trip to the sport's headquarters.

Roseberry Sports and Community College, in Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, took up the 15-a-side sport as one of its focus sports. It successfully developed rugby coaching and set up teams for both boys and girls. The school's efforts met with the approval of the sport's governing body, the Rugby Football Union (RFU).

Roseberry's bid was considered the best from more than 300 lodged with the RFU for England Rugby Development School Status.

It led to the school's year seven team being invited to take part in a tournament in London, on Saturday, with free tickets to attend the annual Babcock Trophy clash between the Army and Navy teams at the national stadium, Twickenham.

School office manager Lynn Hole said: "The RFU was impressed by the work we've put in to develop the sport and our recent performances.

"A big part has been the impetus we've shown getting girls into what has traditionally been seen as a male sport."

Roseberry won sports status in September 2003.