A DARLINGTON schoolboy gained an outstanding result in a national mathematics competition.

Paul Severs, 16, a pupil at Hurworth School Computing and Maths College, has progressed to the next round of the UK Maths Test Challenge, set by the University of Leeds.

The test is aimed at the most able maths students and involves a series of challenging problems.

Teacher Mildred Howell said: "They are problem-solving tests to encourage mathematical reasoning and precision of thought."

The test was taken by pupils from years nine to 11, and Hurworth achieved two gold, nine silver and 16 bronze awards.

Paul was one of the gold award winners, with fellow pupil Stephen Tremewan, and his outstanding score was good enough for him to progress to the next round of the competition, which takes place today.

Mrs Howell said: "This is a very challenging test, so to get gold is absolutely outstanding, and the number of silver and bronzes we got is also very good.

"Paul got a tremendously high score, which has qualified him for the next stage, which is a similar but even more challenging."