SCHOOLBOYS Leo Higham, of Stearsby, and André Robson, of Easingwold, both aged 11, who have been friends since they joined St Martin’s Ampleforth Nursery at the age of three, have both been selected to join the Prep School Barbarians Under-11 rugby team.

Their successes follow several they have achieved – both sing in the Ampleforth Abbey Schola Cantorum boys’ choir, which recently reached the semi-final of the BBC Songs of Praise School Choir of the Year, being screened on April 15, and both have developed a keen interest in acting and dancing.

Louise Higham, Leo’s mum, said their musical interest had led to them both taking up an instrument with André playing the cello and piano, and Leo, the trumpet.

Now the boys are busy with rugby training, cricket coaching, singing, music practice, school exams, dance lessons, football and cross-country meets.