HISTORY has been made with the early arrival of girls at a top boys' prep school.

Last May, it was announced that Ampleforth College Junior School, North Yorkshire, would become co-educational from next September.

But Fabia and Jemima Tate, from Thirsk, decided that they did not want to wait that long.

So the pair have been allowed to join the 100-strong boys' boarding school early.

Fabia, ten, said: "It is tiring but fun. I enjoy the sports including rugby, swimming short-tennis and badminton."

Her eight-year-old sister, Jemima, has already taken up the violin but also enjoys non-musical pursuits.

"I enjoy playing the table football machine - and the boys have helped us feel welcome from the start," she said.

Both girls are also playing keyboard in a school rock band.

Acting headteacher Paul Mulvihill said: "I am very pleased at the way the girls have settled in and also at the way the boys have accepted them."

The school offers academic and choral scholarships for eight to 13-year-olds and selection for these will take place on March 2 and 3