PUPILS at a independent school have earned a place in the national final of a science competition.

Sophie Ashforth, Pippa Sanderson, Charlotte Mallen-Beadle and Jessica Hall, aged 13 to 15, from Red House School, Norton, near Stockton fought off tough competition to reach the final of the Royal Society of Chemistry's ‘Top of the Bench' competition.

The girls impressed judges by earning the maximum marks available for their practical round.

The regional heats tested the participants' knowledge in a written task and quiz-style rounds, and pupils also took part in challenging practical and problem-solving exercises.

Lynzey Spencer-Crabb, head of chemistry at Red House School, said: "We're passionate about helping our pupils to achieve their full potential and we believe that participation in events such as Top of the Bench supports not only their education, but also their personal development.

"Jessica, Charlotte, Pippa and Sophie performed exceptionally well in the regional competition and we were particularly proud of their fantastic achievement .

The girls will compete in the national final which will take place at the University of Birmingham in March.