A TEAM of girls from a Darlington college are celebrating after they were crowned national biathlon champions.

Lynsey Carveth, Julia Orr and Sarah Dove, of Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, competed in the final of the British Schools' Biathlon Championships, in Bath.

They won the competition, which involved a one-mile run and a 100-metre swim.

Sarah recorded the fastest time for swimming and Julia was the fastest runner.

Julia Atkinson, the college's head of sport, said: "They really do deserve to be national champions.

"They gave up their time to train hard as a team and were determined not to let the college or each other down. Their team spirit was superb and they were jubilant at their success."

Champion team member Lynsey said: "It was an excellent experience - a great atmosphere and a very close competition. We pushed ourselves to the limit and encouraged and supported each other."

A second girls' team of Katherine James, Sarah James and Natalie Bradley also competed in Bath, finishing fifth.

Stephen Turnbull, competed in the individual boys' championship and finished 12th overall.