A DISABLED 14-year-old Eastleigh boy is celebrating after being called up to the England squad for his favourite sport.

David Smith, who was born with cerebral palsy and uses an electric wheelchair, has broken into the national ranks for boccia - a similar game to petanque - and played by disabled people.

He made the grade after catching the eye of selectors at a training camp in Chesterfield and is one of the youngest members of the team, which has a mixed age range of adults and youngsters.

"I was in quite a bit of shock when they told me that I was in the team. It put me off playing the next day but it didn't matter because I was already in the team," said David.

"It feels good to be able to say I'm in the top six in the country and in the England team."

Next month David will represent the country at a competition in Glasgow where he will go head-to-head with best players from Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

David who has been playing for seven years attends Lord Mayor Treloar School in Upper Froyle, Alton.