A YOUNG mathematician is about to pit his wits against the best brains in the world.

Pupils from Hurworth Comprehensive School, near Darlington, have been involved in a national competition to find the best young mathematicians in the country.

Out of 79 youngsters from the school who took part, 17 of the pupils collected awards in the UK Mathematics Trust Intermediate Challenge, gaining two gold, six silver and nine bronze medals between them.

Oliver Welch, 14, managed to qualify for the International Kangaroo Competition, which will pit his skills against the best students from more than 20 countries.

The competition is in the form of an examination.

The school's head of mathematics, Brian Hills, said he was delighted with the students' performances.

He said: "I am really pleased with the way they have got on in the competition, especially Oliver, who managed to qualify for the international section.

"We have a lot of bright and talented young mathematicians at the school and we are very proud of their achievements."