MATHEMATICS students in Darlington did their college proud at a recent national challenge event.

Every year, almost 100,000 students from across the country enter the UK Senior Maths Challenge.

A total of 56 students from Queen Elizabeth (QE) Sixth Form College, in Darlington, took part in the most recent challenge and gained a combined five gold, 13 silver and 17 bronze certificates.

Only the top ten per cent of participants are awarded the gold certificate.

Helen Greaves, course leader for A-Level maths at QE, said: “We were extremely impressed that our talented mathematicians participated in the competition and excelled. We are very proud of the effort and success of all the students who took part.

“An increasing number of students are choosing to study A Level mathematics at QE and this competition provides an excellent opportunity for them to enjoy the challenge of applying their mathematical skills.”

The five students awarded a gold certificate are first year students Martin Duggan and Cameron Grove and second years Daniel Legg, Jason Loveridge and Adam Elders.

The Senior Maths Challenge is run by the UK Mathematics Trust, a registered charity, whose aim is to advance the education of children and young people in mathematics.