TWO young squash players are hoping to revitalise Barnard Castle School's reputation for the racquet game.

Tom Park and Robert Harrison have been selected for the under-15s County Durham and Cleveland squad, rekindling hopes of days gone by.

Barnard Castle School was one of the first in the region to have squash courts built back in the 1930s.

It then spawned a succession of talented players who went on to play for England in international competitions.

"Tom and Robert are the best we have had for a very long time," said school squash master John Gedye.

"We have high hopes for them progressing right to the top of the sport.

"We are also enjoying great interest in the game from the girls, enough to form a competitive team."

Tom, 14, from Darlington, has been playing squash since he was eight.

He said: "We were selected after performing well at recent competitions at Norton and Yarm.

"I have seen pictures of the old international players in the dining room. Hopefully, this is the start of that success all over again."

Robert, 13, of Girsby, near Middleton St George, has been playing since he was ten.

He said: "It is a much better standard playing at county level and one day we may get picked for England.

"Hopefully, squash will be an Olympic sport in the 2012 London games, which really would be something to aim for."