Carmel RC Technology College enjoyed a fantastic weekend at Twickenham, taking part in the National Schools' Under-13 Rugby Festival.

To qualify they won the Durham County 12-a side tournament. In their pool group they won two matches, drew two and lost one, finishing in runners-up spot thus just missing out on qualification to the quarter finals.

Results: Richmond (North Yorkshire) 10-0; Withernsea High (Humberside) 10-0; drew with: Bexley & Erith (London) 0-0; Springfield (Hampshire) 0-0 and lost to Dene Magna (Gloucestershire) 0-10.

Simon Hannaford, PE teacher, said: "The boys played some quite fantastic rugby and will gain from this experience."

"To pay for the trip the players have taken part in many sponsored events including bag packing and letter writing and have raised over £3,000 for accommodation, travel and a set of brand new playing strips.

"All 26 members of the team went to London. They were a credit to all the sponsors and to the college.

"This success is due to the hard work of the coaches Dale Kelly and Colin Johnson and the enthusiasm of the boys."

Meanwhile, 17 Year 13 students from Carmel College passed the British Sports Trusts Higher Sports Leader' award, after completing a two year course. The award formally known as the Hanson is the next stage to the Community Sports Leaders award and although they are nationally recognised qualifications, Carmel College is the only institution in Darlington offering both.

They are: Jonathan Brown, James Wiper, Jonathan Frank, Matthew Yates, Sarah Atkinson, Helen Green, Colin Langley, James Parkinson, John Dixon, Laura Scott, Marie Wright, Anthony McMaster, Claire Kilgour, Steven Gamble, Stuart Walton, Peter Gray, Danny Alessandro.

These students have also gained Emergency Aid Certificate with an additional 'Sports Injury' module qualification and achieved the following national governing body coaching awards: Football Association teacher's certificate, badminton leaders, netball leaders and start rugby coaching.

They helped organise and run the following events: North Eastern special schools cross country championships, Darlington primary and secondary schools athletic championships, schools cup athletics as well as many interhouse events at Carmel.

Most have spent a week in Lourdes working with a group of disabled youngsters. For this they had to raise funds towards the cost. This was achieved by many fundraising activities including organising a race night.

The group organised a year seven sponsored walk which raised £3,000 towards sports equipment at the college.

They help out on local playschemes during the holidays including Activ-Fun and Mowden Hall.

Mrs Chris Hunt the Northern course moderator said these were some of the best candidates she has seen and they have achieved so much more on their course.