A former pupil has been awarded �100,000 damages following an injury received during a school rugby game.

The incident, which happened in a match played four years ago, was deemed to have damaged his academic and future job prospects.

Ramsey Elshafey suffered neck injuries when he was lifted and fell on his head during a game against the King's School in Macclesfield in Cheshire.

Mr Elshafey, who was then a 17-year-old pupil at Newcastle-under-Lyme Grammar school, claimed that the injury had impeded his studies and his chances of becoming a dentist.

Entering dental school had been Mr Elshafey's ambition - but it was claimed that the interruption to his course work caused by the injury had contributed to his not getting high enough A-level grades.

The student went on to study business at Durham University.

The High Court in Manchester found in favour of the claim for compensation against the opposing school - ruling that there had been "negligence" in the tackle that had caused the injury.

The money is expected to be paid by the school's insurer.

'Principle'

Mr Elshafey's solicitor argued that the fact that the incident was a school game should not affect the claim for damages.

"It doesn't matter if it's Old Trafford or a park pitch, the principle is the same. Smaller sums are involved but players are just as liable for what happens on the school field or park," said Rob Elvin.

"The claim's main basis was that Ramsey couldn't become a dentist because of the time he was forced to take away from his studies.

"But it was also based on the fact that the injury means he has missed the opportunity to gain income from semi-professional rugby."