TWO A-level students at Darlington's Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College have won places in the finals of the National Schools Biathlon Championships.

Mark Richardson, 17, from Newton Aycliffe, and Michael Harcourt, 17, from Darlington, came second and third respectively in the Northern Schools' Championships at Penrith and so qualify for the finals at Rugby, Warwickshire, in February.

The biathlon involves swimming 100 metres and running 1,000 metres

Mark said: "I swim every day and try to run at least three times a week.

"It is demanding, especially with revision and exams coming up after Christmas. However, I am looking forward to the Championships at Rugby - I am excited and determined to do well."