Southend High School for Boys have achieved one of their highest honours yet to celebrate their magnificent successes on the athletics front.

For the English Schools Athletics Association have selected the Prittlewell Chase school to represent the country at the World Schools' Championships in June.

The selection is in recognition of the fabulous triumphs the school's athletes have achieved over the last nine years.

They currently hold 10 national titles in the world of athletics and cross-country.

The championships are for pupils born between 1998 and 1990 and Southend High will take a six-strong team to Faro, Portugal, for the competition, which takes place from June 25-30.

Said head of PE Steve Thomas: "Under normal circumstances the English Schools' AA would invite schools at little or no cost to those taking part.

"Unhappily, the association has been without a major sponsor for over seven years.

"Therefore the teams are responsible for their own travel costs to the venue.

"Once in Faro all travel and accommodation costs and food are provided by the local organising committee."

School chiefs estimate they will need £3,000 to enable Southend High to compete and are writing to local companies to ask whether they would be able to give a financial donation "to support these talented young athletes in their pursuit of excellence."

If tou can help call Mr Thomas on 01702 607956 or e-mail on THOMASSV@ shsb.essex.sch.uk.