A TEENAGER who refuses to let a rare blood condition rule his life has won a place on a national sports team.

Richard Lawson, 14, from Burnopfield, near Stanley, is a haemophiliac - meaning any form of hard physical contact can lead to internal bleeding.

But the brave youngster - a past Northern Echo Local Heroes Special Achievement award-winner - has overcome the dangers to become one of the most promising in-line hockey players in the UK.

His status was confirmed this week, when he was selected to represent Great Britain in the forthcoming World Youth Inline Hockey Championships, taking place in Canada. The sport is similar to ice hockey, but played on in-line skates.

"I am delighted - I cannot wait for it," he said. "I was absolutely over the moon when they told me I had been selected."

Haemophilia only affects males and normally prevents a sufferer from doing any contact sport. Every time Richard sustains an injury that would normally be a minor irritation, he must undergo a series of injections to make his blood clot.

"If I do get an injury, I need treatment within two hours," he said. "Internal bleeding is the worst because you cannot see what is actually happening. But I don't fear it and I won't let it get in my way."

He will be the number one netminder for the Great Britain 14s and under team, for two major tournaments in July - the World Championships in Kitchener, Canada, followed by the North American Roller Hockey Championships in Fort Myers, Florida, USA.

At home, he plays for Lochside in-line hockey club in Newcastle, represents the region and also patrols the goal for Sunderland Ice Hockey Club at under 16 and Under 19 levels.

Both sports may be tough, but Richard can give as good as he gets - he is a black belt in Taisudo, better known as kickboxing, and is only the third haemophiliac in the world to obtain a black belt in any martial art.

He is also the only person to have won the Haemophilia Society Outstanding Achievement in Sport twice, once for his Taisudo and the other for his hockey.

"Some people with haemophilia sit in the house and are afraid to do anything in case they get injured," he said.

"I believe you should get out, enjoy life and do whatever you can."