STUDENTS who join a new cross-country running club at a Highbridge school will have the chance to be trained by a top UK athletics coach.

Simon Prior, father of cross-country star, Luke Prior, 20, who is a former student at The King Alfred School, has been coaching three students at the school for the last nine years.

And they have gone on to experience success on the international stage.

Simon said he has high hopes for the club and is looking forward to coaching the students.

"Having received funding from England Athletics to run a satellite athletics club at The King Alfred School, it has been an early success with up to 16 students attending the winter cross country sessions," Simon said.

"Moving forward we are aiming to qualify from the Sedgemoor Cross Country championships to Somerset Championships.

"Over the last nine years The King Alfred School have had great success with three athletes.

"I have coached Luke Prior, Matthew Dickinson and Oliver Dickinson who have gone on to represent there relative countries.

"This is where this idea has come from to build on their success as being involved in sport has opened opportunities to life that may not have been there.”

The school has had a busy year and joined the Priory Learning Trust as an academy after being supported by them for a year.

Nathan Jenkins, principal of The King Alfred School, said: “This is a very exciting opportunity for The King Alfred School students.

“We want to provide inspiration and top quality training across a wide variety of activities and pursuits.

"We are really fortunate to have access to such a top coach with links to English Athletics.”