YOUNG tennis players have won through to the finals of a national competition, despite their school's struggle to secure decent sports facilities.

Sarah Harding, Mia Robinson, Ruth McKenzie Katie Pears and Rachael Jackson, all students at Durham Johnston School, in Durham, will compete in the British Schools Tennis Competition on December 7 and 8 in Essex.

To get so far, the Year 10 pupils have beaten off competition from 3,000 teams in Britain and come up against some of the country's best young tennis players in the quarter and semi-finals.

In the competition, they will play singles matches, then a set of doubles each.

The under-15s girls team has managed to succeed despite the poor sports facilities at the school, which Durham Johnston School is campaigning to get replaced.

The comprehensive has applied unsuccessfully to get a new sports hall, or have a permanent tennis court installed. But as it is not situated in an area classed as deprived, it does not meet Government standards for funding.

PE teacher Julie Brown said: "The girls have done exceptionally well.

"Our sporting facilities are so poor, it is hazardous. Despite all this, we managed to get the girls to a national final."

David Robinson, Mia's father, from High Shincliffe, near Durham, said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Most people in the finals go to private schools. I think it is rare for a state school to get this far."