A TEENAGE cross country runner has been chosen to represent England in next month's British schools' championship.

Andrew Coffer, 15, of Waldridge Park, Chester-le-Street, will compete in Ayr, Scotland, against teams from Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

The Chester-le-Street Harriers runner beat competition from more than 350 hopefuls for a place in the national squad.

He trains during lunchtime and sometimes before classes at The Hermitage School, Chester-le-Street, as well as preparing to take ten GCSEs.

Andrew said: "I feel happy about it and hopefully I will do well. I have always wanted to run for England. I want to carry on running and I would like to get in the Great Britain team one day."

He already represents his school and the country and has run for the North-East in regional competitions.

Andrew will take part in the 6,000 metre race on April 3.

Head of PE at The Hermitage, Vicky Firth, said he was a very dedicated runner and had been helped by his harriers' coach, John Tinkler.

Ms Firth said: "Andrew is very committed and never misses a training session.

"We are incredibly proud of him and he is a great role model for younger students."