LAURENCE Jackson School, in Guisborough, has won the learn2work Tees Valley Maths Challenge 2004.

With heats in each of the Tees Valley districts, year nine pupils from secondary schools in each area took part in challenges and activities relating to business, science or engineering.

Event co-ordinator Nicola Sherratt said: "The challenges were far from easy, but all of the pupils excelled and worked so hard. The ultimate aim is that we unite education and business in a highly innovative way that will bring maths to life for the pupils."

The pupils were presented with a trophy, certificates and radio alarm clocks by TFM radio presenter, Steve Harris.

Laurence Jackson team member Richard Ballard said: "I just can't believe we've won. I can't wait to take the trophy back to school. The challenges were difficult, but we worked well together as a team which paid off."

St Hilda's School, in Hartlepool, came second and Newlands School, in Middlesbrough, came third at the event that took place in Morton Park Business Centre, Darlington.

Representatives from local companies set challenges which focused on their business or organisation.

Designed to test the pupils' mathematical skills, the challenges ranged from working out advertising costs and income taxes to challenges linked with store management and playing bridge. The pupils had 15 minutes to complete each task.