Girls' athletics team make national finals

An athletics team is celebrating making the final of a major tournament for the "first time in the school's history".

The Westcliff High School for Girls team qualified for the English Schools Athletics Association Track and Field cup final on Saturday.

PE teacher Megan Richardson, head of Year 8, said: "The team managers are incredibly proud of the students for their hard work and dedication and acknowledge the amazing talent of the students.

"It is a true privilege to be taking the students to the national final for the first time in the school’s history.

"This is a huge achievement for the school, students and staff and represents the hard work, dedication and commitment from the team that began the training programme in January.

The team, from the school in Kenilworth Gardens, Southend, competed in county and regional rounds. Despite coming second to Coopers’ Company and Coborn School in the regional final, they progressed for gaining the highest score - 423 points - compared to other competing schools.

They now travel to Northwood Stadium, in Stoke-On-Trent, to take part in the national finals.