TALENTED young footballers are celebrating after netting coveted places in a North-East squad.

Five boys from Hurworth House School, near Darlington, have been chosen to play for the Independent Schools' Football Association's (ISFA) regional squad.

George Heron, Majid Hajmahmoud and Alexander Ross will play for the under-13s, while Wilson Kneeshaw and Jack Alexander are to represent the under-15s.

The ISFA was established to encourage youngsters across the country to get involved in football, following a major rise in the popularity of the sport in independent schools over the past decade.

The organisation, which is affiliated to the Football Association and chaired by former Premier League referee David Elleray, puts together regional representative teams and runs national competitions to give boys and girls the chance to play at the highest levels.

The Hurworth boys were selected to play for the North-East after going through a rigorous trials process.

Wilson and Jack are already in training for a match later this month, with the regional team due to face a Hartlepool Schools' squad on November 29.

Hurworth House Headmaster Chris Fenwick said: "We are very proud of the boys. Their selection for this prestigious squad reflects our school's commitment to encouraging pupils to participate in sport, as well as focusing on academic achievements."