SCHOOLS are taking part in competitions to find the brainiest pupils.

Youngsters from eight comprehensive schools took part in the east Cleveland heat of the Tees Valley Maths Challenge - a competition designed to raise awareness of maths in the workplace.

It was won by the Laurence Jackson School, in Guisborough. Other schools taking part were Freeborough, Eston Park, West Redcar, Sacred Heart, Rye Hills, Gillbrook Technology College and St Peters RC.

The Middlesbrough heat was also due to be held this week and Darlington's competition will be at Morton Park Business Centre next Thursday. The final will at the same venue on May 27.

The challenge, organised by learn2work, the education business link organisation for Tees Valley, is supported by local businesses, banks and training centres.

Each company sets a challenge, with the focus on their business.

Designed to test the pupils' mathematical skills, the challenges ranged from working out advertising costs and taxes to tasks linked with management and banking. The pupils have 15 minutes to complete each task.

They are awarded points for teamwork, their approach to the challenge and their final answers.