A NINE-year-old Millhouse Green boy has wowed judges coming second in a worldwide computer programming contest making his own mining game.

Archie Rawlins was absolutely delighted after he discovered this week he had been announced runner up in a global coding competition.

The contest, run by the worldwide network Code Club, was inundated with submissions from 17 countries around the world.

Entrants, aged nine to 13, had to create a project that revealed something relevant about their community.

Archie said: “Barnsley is known for mining so I thought that would be a good idea.

“I was really pleased when I was picked as the Barnsley club entrant. But when I was told I had come runner up in the world, I thought I was dreaming. I just couldn’t believe it.”

Archie used the Scratch platform for his game and based it on miners going through an obstacle course in an underground pit.

Almost 260 young people entered the Code Club Global Competition, from 114 Code Clubs across the world.

Proud mum Michelle, 44, added: “We couldn’t be more proud of Archie. He spent countless hours perfecting the game and worked very closely with the leaders of his club to ensure he met all the required criteria.

“Their ongoing encouragement and support has been wonderful. They are volunteers and give up their free time to spur the kids on.

“Archie has always loved computer coding and seems to have a natural talent for it.

“His dad and I are just delighted all his hard work paid off and he has been commended for his efforts.”