HUNDREDS of students tackled number-crunching on a national scale as they challenged their knowledge of mathematics.

More than 300 students from Year Seven to the sixth form at The King's Academy, Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, took part in the National Maths Challenge, a gruelling hour-long test of their skills.

The initiative is designed to test students' spontaneous problem-solving abilities as it is impossible to prepare for the activity.

Marks will earn them bronze, silver and gold accolades with the top percentage in line for national acclaim and a place among the country's best mathematical minds.

Maths teacher John Belmont said: "The aim is to challenge our high ability students and stretch their mathematical thinking.

"We like to make a big deal in school of being good at mathematics, which is one of the essential building blocks of a successful education. This national challenge helps them to apply what they have been taught and also raises their standards even further."