CALCULUS, matrices, complex numbers and Fourier coefficients - all in a day's work for maths whizzkid Daniel Lightwing.

The 16-year-old York College student has been selected as part of the UK squad that will travel to Mrida in Mxico to compete in the International Mathematical Olympiad in July 2005.

As a result of the national maths competition for youngsters in schools, Daniel, of Warthill, was rated ninth in the country.

He is now undergoing an intensive training regime, tutored by his own mentor, a Cambridge professor who sends him monthly problems.

Daniel's father, David, said: "We're so pleased - this has been great for him.

"It's given him a lot of insight into maths and brought him into contact with other mathematicians.

"He's always had a talent for maths, which we recognised at an early age, but this has really brought it home to us.

"It's something innate in him. He's had it since he was a toddler."

Updated: 09:57 Thursday, December 09, 2004