TALENTED school pupils have beaten off national competition to claim the top honour with a song about money.

Five Year 11 students - Jordan Catterson, Kyle Blood, Jessica Simpson, Nicole-Jade Waterworth and Ben Holbird - from King James I Academy, in Bishop Auckland, entered their original work into the competition run by Prudential Building Society for My Money Week.

The song, titled Where Does All The Money Go? is about young peoples perception of money.

As a result of their success the group receive £50 each, £500 for new music equipment for the school and an all expenses paid trip to London for each of them and three family members to attend a ceremony in London on Monday, October 30.

Elliott Smith, head of music at King James I Academy, said the students had used an unusual way of rolling a dice, with each number representing a different chord, to decide on the tune for their piece.

“I am over the moon for them,” he said. “They were really passionate about it and really wanted to do well. It is fantastic they are the best nationally.

“They have never been to London before and it is great for the school."