BUDDING sports stars at a North-East school are on a roll.

Patrick Dias and Michael Turns are the latest young sportsmen to uphold Durham School's fine traditions on the playing fields.

While Patrick has been earmarked for great things on the rugby field, Michael is turning heads with his potential as a rapidly improving cricketer.

Patrick, an upper sixth former, is on a high after receiving an invitation to join the academy of the North-East's top club side, Newcastle Falcons.

He celebrated in style on Wednesday, captaining Durham School's first team to a 20-13 home victory against Bradford Grammar School.

It put them through to the quarter-finals of the Daily Mail Cup, in their bid to repeat the feat of the 2001 team, which reached the Twickenham final.

Along with fellow school and team-mate Gareth Eddy, he also represented the North of England under-18s recently.

School director of sport Paul Gerrard said: "Patrick is totally committed to the sport and we are very proud of his achievement."

Mr Gerrard said the school had excelled this season, with Patrick among 20 pupils selected for the Durham County squad at different age groups.

Michael, meanwhile, is just back from playing a starring role with Durham County Cricket Club's under-15 side in an international tournament in Dubai, in the Middle East.

Playing strong sides from Pakistan, India and Bahrain, Durham reached the final four.

Michael, 14, played a match-winning role with a knock of 52 against Pakistan in one of Durham's key victories.

He said it was amazing seeing the different lifestyles in the heat of Dubai and playing in cooler evening temperatures.

Mr Gerrard said: "The school has a long tradition of producing first-class cricketers, of which we are justly proud. I'm sure we'll be hearing lots more from Michael."