A STUDENT from Rossendale will be reaching for the stars when he competes in the national schools trampolining finals.

Thirteen-year-old Paul Chambers will pit his skills against the cream of the nation’s junior athletes at the championships in Stourbridge, Worcestershire on March 20.

And the Waterfoot star’s efforts will be cheered on by parents Helen and Chris, brother Mark, friends and teachers at Haslingden High School.

Last December Paul, from Waterfoot, was given a sporting achievement award in recognition of his trampolining prowess.

His qualification comes after he travelled with his parents to Belfast and came third in the North of England finals Paul, who is in Year Eight at the Broadway school, said: “This is the fourth time I have reached the national finals.

"I have previously come sixth twice and eighth but this time I am hoping to do even better.”

He trains for two hours twice a week at school and started trampolining about five years ago when he was a pupil at Waterfoot Primary School.

Paul added: “My parents are really proud and they will be in at the the finals to support me along with my 10-year-old brother Mark.”

Before his northern finals performance, Paul came second in the Lancashire section and second in the regional finals to earn him a place in the North of England finals.

Wes Howarth, the schools’ head of PE, said: “We are so pleased for him here.

"We give out an annual sports award and this was presented to Paul for his performances just before Christmas.”