A TEENAGE wheelchair basketball player from Leigh is to represent England North in a national competition being staged at London 2012 venues.

Gregg Warburton is to compete at the ExCeL Centre in London’s docklands ahead of the world’s greatest athletes showing off their talents at the exhibition and conference centre.

The 15-year-old will be competing in the Sainsbury’s 2012 school games finals.

A delighted Gregg said: “I’m very proud and excited to compete at this level and I am really looking forward to the Sainsbury’s 2012 school games.

“It will be the most memorable moment of my sporting career so far, and knowing that some of the greatest athletes in sport will be there not long after is very inspiring.”

The games are a multi-sport event for school-aged elite athletes, taking place from May 6 to 9.

Around 1,600 young people will compete across 12 sports and more than 35,000 spectators are expected at the event with young people from schools across the country heading to the capital to watch the action.

David Beckham, an ambassador for the Sainsbury's Active Kids campaign, has offered advice to Greg and his fellow competitors.

“Stay focused, practice and enjoy the great opportunity of experiencing the Olympic Park before the biggest show on earth hits London,” he said.

“It will be an amazing experience.”

Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, has been impressed with the sporting passion shown by those taking part.

He said: “Gregg has worked incredibly hard to win his place in the first school games finals, and I wish him the very best of luck.

“It's great to see how passionate our young people are about sport and I’m sure the finals will be a truly inspiring occasion.”