SIX youngsters have hit the mark in a fencing competition.

The pupils, including some from Teesside High School, Eaglescliffe, and Polam Hall School, Darlington, took part in the Regional Qualifiers of the National Under 12s, and Under 14s Competition, at the weekend.

They will go on to the national youth championships which will be held in Bristol, in May.

British Fencing Association teacher Geoffrey Thompson, who trains the winners, is delighted with their success.

He said: "It is a great achievement for these young people. They were in a class that included people from the borders down to Middlesbrough and across to Cumbria.

"In the finals they will be competing against pupils from public schools, who have dedicated fencing teachers at school, whereas I work in various schools," he said.

"Fencing is a minority sport, but the schools that I visit in the region all have waiting lists."

Felicity Hemlim and Natasha Williams will compete in the under 14s girls final and Jade Clark, Melanie Stokes and Abigail Colley will compete in the under 12s final.

Fraser Pearston, who goes to school in Newcastle, will take part in the boys under 12s final.