Two teams from Morpeth School and one from Globe Primary School qualified for the semi-finals of the England Schools team championships after their performances at the South East of England Table Tennis finals

Two teams from Morpeth School and one from Globe Primary School qualified for the semi-finals of the England Schools' team championships after their performances at the South East of England Table Tennis finals.

The Morpeth girls' under-16 team of Sally Hoang, Majada Yasmin, Chantal Wilson, Sayeeda Miah and Harriet Taylor, who are the reigning English schools national champions, coasted through to the semi-finals by defeating Hairefield Academy (Bucks) 8-0, St.Albans (Herts) 8-0 and Central Foundation Girls School (Tower Hamlets) 8-0.

In their final match they faced last year's England Silver medallists, Peniel academy (Essex) who Morpeth defeated convincingly 6-2.

Morpeth girls' under-13 team consisting off Vanessa Wilson, Molly Reilly-Vickers, Jasmin Gillespie-Reed and Araminta Millest performed extremely well to qualify for the semi-finals and team defeated Presdales (Herts) 8-0, Hairefield Academy (Bucks) 8-0 and Amberfield School (Ipswich) 6-2.

Globe Primary School under-11 boys team of Jamie Dignum, Rijjul Roychouhury, Yusuf and England Seferi also played extremely well to qualify for the national semi-finals, after they defeated Borough Green (Kent) 6-2, Sudbury (Wembley) 8-0 and Culford (Bury St.Edmunds) 8-0.

Former England International player and Morpeth School coach Grant Solder was delighted with what they achieved.

"It is fantastic that three teams from Morpeth and Globe has qualified for the semi-finals England Schools championships and I believe that all three teams have a fantastic chance of qualifying and winning medals at the national finals," he said.

"I was particularly pleased how well Globe Primary School has done, as this proves that the table tennis coaching that we are doing not only at Morpeth but in four primary schools is very productive."

Ashley Facey-Thompson (pictured left) from Morpeth School has been selected to represent Great Britain's Paralympics' table tennis men's team in three international opens, the Polish Open, the Romanian Open and the Spanish Open.

The youngster is making huge strides and Morpeth School coach Grant Solder has great belief in the young star, who he believes could make an impact in the 2012 Paralympic Games in London.

"I have high hopes for Ashley to not only compete but also win a medal in the 2012 London Paralympics and so Ashley will gain invaluable experience in these three international events," he said.

The draw for the World School Table Tennis Championships to be held in the Czech Republic this coming March was made two weeks ago.

Morpeth School girls' under-17 team, who will be representing England at this event have been given a very tough draw.

In their group they have been drawn against the world champions China, the host country Czech Republic and Belgium.