SCHOOLBOYS have been involved in a war of words proving they are among the best spellers in the country.

Risedale Community College’s spelling bee team just missed out on a place in the national semi final after a hard fought battle of consonants and vowels.

The four-strong team, from Hipswell, between Catterick and Richmond, North Yorkshire, progressed through various stages of The Times Spelling Bee 2009, a literary contest that involves 800 schools across the country.

The Risedale squad of 12-year-olds, comprising Keir Mackie, Louis Sharpe, Shane Patterson and Jake Sims, has reading age of about 15 well above the national average of 11.

Each competitor had to conquer his nerves and collect his thoughts before standing in front of a panel of judges to spell a variety of words.

In a close fought contest, staged in Darlington, Risedale’s team came a well-placed third, just missing out on the national semi finals.

Head of English Christine Rutter said: "It’s the first time we have entered the competition and we were all really proud of their achievement."

The children were mentored by Year 11 pupil Stephanie Grundy. The 15-year-old, of Catterick Garrison, said: "It was nerve-racking to watch.

"They were very hard working and very committed giving up a lot of their spare time at lunch and after school to practise. I thought they did extremely well."

Jake, of Catterick Garrison, added: "It was a bit scary at first but you soon got used to it."

The boys received a free school lunch and a certificate to mark their achievement.

Risedale Community College is working to increase the profile of literacy across the curriculum.

Corridors and classrooms are festooned with words and children are encouraged to expand their vocabulary in every subject.

Mrs Rutter said: "Our reading strategy across the curriculum is now paying off. We are seeing a growing confidence among pupils in the use of a wider vocabulary."