A SCHOOLBOY with cerebral palsy has taken a further step towards the Paralympics.

Lee Maddison, from St Catherine's Close, Fishburn, has had tremendous success in boccia, a type of bowls, in which competitors give instructions to set the height and direction of a ramp which the ball is rolled down.

Lee, 15, who attends the Percy Hedley School in Newcastle, has won two national competitions and his performances have been recognised with a call-up to train with the England squad.

His mother, Jill Maddison, said: "He's been selected to train with the England squad with the view to an elite squad being formed and from that they'll pick a team for the Paralympics."

Lee and his ramp assistant, Louise Finley, will attend training sessions throughout the year