Young Brighton rugby player Jordan Peters is moving a step closer to his dream of playing for England.

The 13-year-old has been awarded a scholarship to Whitgift School in Croydon, one of the top rugby schools in England.

Jordan, of Brangwyn Avenue, Patcham, beat off competition from 641 other applicants and will take up his place in September.

Members of Whitgift's rugby team are automatically considered for England sides and were named Team of the Month by Rugby World magazine last year.

The school had two players in an England under-18 match last month and has four players lined up for England trials.

Jordan, who plays scrum-half for his school, St Christopher's in Hove, and has captained Hove under-13's for the past three seasons, started playing when he was five.

He said: "I owe a big thank you to all my coaches and school teachers and a special thank you to my headmaster, Mr Saunders, who has always shown great interest in my achievements."

Jordan's father, Clive, said: "He's got high hopes of playing for England as long as he can stay injury free.

"He's only 13 and has got a fair way to go but his aim is to be playing for the England under-16 side in three years."

Whitgift was also attracted by Jordan's black belt in Tae Kwon Do, in which he is South-East and county champion, and his wicket-keeping skills.