A PONTLLANFRAITH schoolboy will follow in the footsteps of Olympic athletes after winning a scholarship to a prestigious school of sporting excellence.

Iwan Thayer, 11, won a part-paid scholarship to Millfield School in Somerset, which is renowned for its teaching and top facilities and boasts Olympic athletes and Welsh rugby player Gareth Edwards as its past students.

The keen rugby player and athlete impressed teachers at trials in January and is now preparing to board at the school, with high hopes of pursuing a career in sports.

Iwan will be coached in a variety of sports from rugby and golf to fencing and swimming and will train everyday including Saturdays whilst also studying traditional academic subjects.

The former Libanus Primary School pupil, who currently plays for Blackwood youth rugby club and was selected to play for Newport Gwent Dragons under 11s team, is excited but nervous about moving away from home.

Iwan's mum Catherine, 49, said: “I am extremely proud of him, it’s like a dream come true for him to be given an opportunity like this.”