Two Hitchin mathematicians were celebrating after gaining exception results in a national competition.

Priory School pupils Michael Howes and Charlie Jackson managed to finish in the top six per cent of more than 250,000 students in a countrywide challenge arranged by the UK Mathematics Trust.

The competition was fierce for those battling to achieve the gold standard, but talented youngsters at the Bedford Road school saw 35 children pick up certificates.

Teacher Michael Ward said: “Mathematicians in Year 7 and Year 8 at the Priory performed fantastically well, but the ace students were Michael in Year 7 and Charlie in Year 8 who were rewarded with both gold and best in year certificates for their efforts.

“Not content with those, Michael capped a brilliant showing by bagging best in school too.”

Silver certificates went to Year 8 pupils Luke Matthews, Phoebe Deller, Daniel Lucas, Max Brawn and Lauren Sloane – with Anna Wills, Briony Arnold, Thom Maher and William Box excelling from Year 7.

*Did you get the answers right relating to the two questions we posed in this week’s Comet? The answers are B and C.