UPPER Wharfedale School pupil Mark Simpson has been selected for the under-16 North of England rugby union development squad.

The 16-year-old from Grassington joined the squad for training last Saturday in preparation for a match against the Midlands later this month.

Mark, who plays anywhere in the back row, has been impressing for his local club, Wharfedale, for whom he has been playing for since the age of seven. He was also a member of the successful Yorkshire under-15 team last season.

Mark is the latest of a string of Upper Wharfedale pupils to excel at sport. Wharfedale hooker John Lawn, who has played for the Barbarians and England Counties, is an ex-pupil of the school.

Others include Olympic rower Andy Hodge and Great Britain cyclo-cross team member Victoria Wilkinson.

PE teacher Helen Mukherjee said: "Mark's only one step away from playing for England and we are very proud of what he's achieved. His club, Wharfedale, have worked wonders with him and his parents have devoted time supporting him."

She added that the school was particularly proud of its sporting successes, considering the small number of pupils at Upper Wharfedale.