FIFTH-FORMER Alex Crawley was the toast of his school yesterday after he was chosen to ski for Britain in the World Winter Transplant Games.

The 16-year-old has been given a week's leave from Teesdale Comprehensive, in Barnard Castle, County Durham, to compete in the event in Italy.

Alex was three when he had a kidney transplanted from his father, civil engineer Andrew Crawley, and has always done well in a variety of games.

He plays scrum-half for a Mowden Park rugby team in Darlington, and has won six gold medals in athletics at the British Transplant Games.

He was taught to ski by his grandmother, Janet Crawley, during holidays in France, and did so well that the world games selectors took notice.

His headteacher, Paul Harrison, said: "We are delighted with his success. The whole school will be keeping fingers crossed and hoping he comes back with a medal."

Alex, who lives with his parents in Hudeway, Middleton in Teesdale, County Durham, will fly to Italy on Sunday for the start of the championships, which take place near Milan. His brother, Josh, 13, will travel there as well.

Alex saved money from his Saturday job as a waiter and packed bags in a supermarket to help with expenses. He will take part in junior cross country, slalom and downhill events.

He said: "I'm grateful to my gran for teaching me to ski. It was a great surprise to be chosen for the world games. There will be strong competition, but I will do my very best. It will be wonderful if I win a medal."

His mother, Barbara, said: "We are tremendously proud of him. It is a wonderful achievement to be chosen for the team."

Transplant patients usually need a new kidney after a number of years. Alex had gone 13 years since his operation, one of the longest periods in Britain.

He said: "I feel fine and hope it will be a long time before another is needed."