SCHOOLBOY sports stars Jonathan Youds and Gareth Melling are in the England U16s rugby league squad which will compete in two matches against France.

Jonathan, aged 16, is a goalkicker who plays stand-off and is captain of Bedford High. He is an all-round sportsman who also plays soccer for the school.

The Leigh Miners Rangers' under 16s full-back has represented Wigan, Leigh and Lancashire and trained with the national squad. He has played nine seasons with Rangers and honed his kicking skills with his cousin, Ian Mort, who plays full-back for Leigh RLFC U21s side.

Westleigh High pupil Gareth, aged 15, from Bickershaw, plays centre or full-back and last season was in the England U15s side that beat Wales 24-0.

A keen Wigan Warriors fan, Gareth plays for Orrell St James ARLFC and was previously with Ince St William's.

Both schools are thrilled by their pupils' achievements.

Westleigh head teacher John Banks said: "This is an excellent achievement for Gareth and the school is extremely proud of him.

"He is a conscientious student who works and studies hard and is expected to do well in his exams next year."

And Bedford spokesman Lesley Parry said: "The school is rightly proud of Jonathan. He wants to be a professional RL player when he leaves school this summer. Well done from all of us at Bedford."