Five talented basketballers from Chetwynde School are a step towards representing their country after being selected for a training camp.

The pupils were chosen to play for Basketball England’s Aspire Programme, which is a camp to train up players to play for England and Great Britain.

Knox, Tobias, Maimie, Alex and Oliver are all taking part in a series of sessions in Manchester.

Alongside on-court coaching, they learn the principles of basketball with classroom workshops covering topics including hydration, nutrition, sleep and injury prevention.

Tobias, who said he would like to play basketball professionally so he can travel the world, said they had really enjoyed the sessions, including one held at Manchester Giants.

“There were a lot of really good players there and they pushed us hard to do our best. It was really fun and I enjoyed it,” he said. “I love basketball as it calms me, takes my mind off other things and gives me focus.”

Maimie said all the pupils play for the Barrow Thorns sides, representing at different age groups.

“It was good and there were a lot of other players that I recognise from the games we play. We met new friends and it was really sociable.”

Headteacher Steve Jefferson said: “This is a great opportunity to experience professional coaching and we are delighted to have so many pupils involved in this programme.”