A Chester schoolboy has followed in the footsteps of Olympic gold medallist Mo Farah, after he claimed the title of English School’s Cross Country champion.

King’s School pupil Matthew Willis, 14, claimed the title for his age group at the Championships, replicating the achievement of the world famous Farah, who achieved success in the same category back in 1997.

Victory capped a hugely successful cross country season for the Marford teenager, who was selected by King’s to represent the school in the Chester and District Schools’ Cross

Country event in October, where success there earned him a place at the Cheshire Schools’ County Cross Country Championships in January.

Following success at that competition, Matthew went on to represent both the school and county at the nationals, where he pitted his wits against the finest young athletes in the country.

Against a field of over 300, all of whom had qualified through a similar route, Matthew put in a stunning display to claim glory and with it, the title of national champion.

As a result of his success, Matthew was selected to represent the school and England at the International Schools’ Cross Country Championships in March.

Following another impressive display, Matthew was narrowly beaten into second place by Ireland’s Patrick Maher, but his performance ensure he achieved the top UK ranking.

Richard Lunn, director of sport at the King’s School, said: “Matt has achieved huge success and we are all very proud of him here at King’s.

“I am looking forward to seeing where Matt will be in his running career in the next few years.”