THE teenagers who will lead their student body at a North Yorkshire school for the coming year have been chosen.

Ripon Grammar School has selected its new head boy and head girl and their deputies.

The students had to apply for the positions and be interviewed by headmaster Martin Pearman, head of sixth form Terry Fell and an outgoing school officer.

And farmer's son James Donaldson, 16, of North Stainley, and Donna Castle-Ward, 17, of Ripon, are the school's new head boy and head girl.

Donna, who is studying A-levels in history, geography, English and maths, and enjoys sport and drama, said: "Our main roles include managing the prefects, organising Charity Week, speaking at school events and being on the school council.”

She is supported by deputy head girls Julia Atherley, Annabelle Blyton and Lucy Mumford.

Head boy James, who is studying maths, further maths, chemistry and biology, and plays cricket and the drums, said: "The school officers are chosen for their interpersonal skills and for being able to communicate with a wide range of people from first formers to sixth formers, and teachers."

His deputies are Jack Baker and Matthew Griffiths.

Mr Pearman said: "Applications for our school officer positions were of an extremely high standard. It's encouraging that so many students embody the qualities we are looking for."