STUDENTS from a Darlington after-school maths class have gained national honours.

The Advanced Student Roll lists children at the Darlington Kumon Centre who have mastered mathematics beyond the level set by the National Curriculum.

Kumon centre instructor Wendy Malkin said: "The Kumon maths programme is a self-learning method that is carefully structured and planned for young people of all ages and abilities."

Mrs Malkin visits the homes of potential students and carries out tests to determine the appropriate starting level for them.

Classes are held every Monday and Thursday at the Salvation Army Citadel, in North Road, Darlington.

Mrs Malkin, who took over the Darlington Kumon Centre franchise in October, said: "Students attend classes on Monday and Thursday afternoons and study for up to half an hour during which time assistance is provided to help them progress."

The Advanced Student Roll is made up of the 36,000 students who are involved in Kumon learning in the UK.

Regular prizes are awarded to students for successful completion of each piece of work and level, which can eventually lead to inclusion on the national list.

Almost half of those attending the Darlington Centre have been included, and received their gold, silver, or bronze certificates at a ceremony in Hurworth Village Hall.

Gold Awards: Bowah Chow, Thomas Crowley, Damian Kusalakumar.

Silver Awards: Samantha Ainsley, Philippa Ainsley, Stevinder Binning, Carmen Chow, Sarah Davies, Catherine Donegan, Frances Donegan, Sean Harrison, Zac Hole, Laura Jane McIntyre, Georgia McIntyre, Emma Price.

Bronze awards: Jordan Beck, Bethany Guy, Jocelyn Habberley, Jordan Hall, Sebastian Hole, Mathew Horsman, Liam Jones, Stephanie Kusalakumar, Lewis Oliver, Suraj Sagger, Danni Shutt, Emily Smith, Kristy Stephens, James Stewart.