A BRAINY Leyland pupil is giving up three weeks of his cherished holidays to go to a summer school for gifted youngsters.

Kurtis Bell, 15, has been chosen as one of 100 talented children to spend three weeks at the University of Warwick.

The budding Shakespeare will be spending his time studying creative writing on the course, and can't believe he has been picked from around 500 entries up and down the country.

He said: "I feel privileged to be going on this course. It was a surprise because I decided to enter it just to have a go, and then I got the place! I was very happy." Kurtis, who will be head boy at his school -- Balshaw's High School in Church Road, Leyland -- next year, is a member of the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth, run by the University of Warwick.

He applied to join the academy's summer school, to give himself something to do over the holidays. After a lengthy application process, he was selected to attend the prestigious summer school.

Now Kurtis, who lives in Clayton-le-Woods, near Leyland, will join other gifted 11 to 16-year-old and knuckling down to study everything from drama to philosophy.

Proud mum Jackie said: "He is looking forward to it. When he applied he had to send in details of his exam results, and his SATs.

"He had to send in a piece of work, and details of why he wanted to go on the summer school. He does piano, so we sent his results too!"

During the three weeks the youngsters will have the chance to listen to guest speakers, and take part in special activities like a robot building challenge.

Kurtis, who enjoys playing football and watching television when he isn't writing, said: "I've always liked to write.

"I'm looking forward to being able to do something over the holidays, and meeting new people."

Paul Geatrix, a director at the National Academy, said: "These children have great potential and the academy is here to assist them in achieving their very best, in a fun and supportive environment.

"This is our first summer school and we hope they enjoy every minute of it."