A BUDDING football star chosen to play for England has put his success down to the support of his biggest fan - his grandmother.

"Supergran" Shirley Henderson, who has brought up 16-year-old Paul Henderson by herself, recognised his talent from an early age and has braved snowstorms and hail to cheer him on at every game.

Her support and his determination paid off with his selection to play in the Young People England Under-16 squad in the Four Nations Tournament in Wales, from Thursday.

Celebrating his call-up, centre midfielder Paul, 16, of Dipton, near Stanley, County Durham, said: "I wouldn't have been able to do it without her. She has come to support me at every game, in rain, shine, hailing blizzards and snow. She has helped with transport to matches all around the country, as far afield as Liverpool and Manchester.

"There have been a few times when I have felt dispirited and down, but my gran has always lifted my morale and got me to carry on."

The former pupil of Greencroft School, Annfield Plain, began playing competitively at the age of eight, for the South Moor Junior Under-nines team.

At the same time, he played for the Derwentside district team and went on to enter the county trials. He quickly rose through the ranks to represent the North-East regional squad.

Paul, who plays for Chester-le-Street Under-18s, hopes to play professionally.

Mrs Henderson said: "He is a good kid. I am so proud of him.

"I have brought him up by myself since he was 15 months. Ever since he was a toddler he has kicked a ball around and I could see he had potential. It has all he has ever wanted to do.

"There have been times when he has come to me and said 'I have had enough, this is going nowhere'.

"But I have told him to give himself time and assured him that he could do it and had the talent to do so. He has worked hard for it and deserves it."

Greencroft School head of PE Sharon Hogg said: "He is an all-round sportsman, but obviously football is his first passion.

"He has been very dedicated young man. I think it's about time that some scouts picked him up."