PUPILS of Barnard Castle School are celebrating sporting success after excelling in javelin throwing and horse riding.

Year 11 student and talented javelin thrower, Alice Ridley, was picked as one of the nation’s elite athletes by the UK Schools Sainsbury’s Games this year.

The games are run over four days and former competitors include Katrina Johnson-Thompson.

Miss Ridley was also crowned North East Javelin Champion, taking first place in her age group, and throwing further than any of the girls in the age group above.

She said: “The Sainsbury’s Games was an amazing experience, it was very well organised with every athlete having their own ID. I would be thrilled to have the chance to go again.”

Fellow student and experienced horse rider, Charlotte Merrigan-Martin, has been placed in the top three at every national horse riding competition she has entered.

Miss Merrigan-Martin, who rides with her pony, Poppy, said: “I have had the most amazing season, competing at some of the best shows in the Country.

“I won third place and highest placed amateur rider at The Royal International Horse Show at Hickstead, West Sussex, and have either won or been placed in every show that I have competed in, including Chaps UK National Championships.

“Showing is a finely tuned skill of horsemanship that I and Poppy have trained for and learnt over many years through expert teaching. I am so thrilled to have done so well.”