STUDENTS are hoping they have found the right formula for national success - after winning a place in the UK final of a chemistry competition.

The group from Ripon Grammar School secured the coveted spot after winning the Yorkshire regional heat in the Top of the Bench challenge run by the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Matt Griffiths, 15, of North Stainley, Jonathan Tanner, 13, of Ripon, and 14-year-olds Louisa Chatterton, of Copgrove, and Georgie Taylor, of Topcliffe, had to complete a variety of chemistry-based and logical thinking tasks against the clock.

Teacher Joy Lewis said: "It was very exciting. Points were awarded as each task was completed but we didn't know where we'd come until the end.

"It was great to be able to put forward a mixed team of boys and girls of different ages and the judges commented that their teamwork was a key reason for their success. We were all thrilled to make the final."

The team will now represent the region in the national final at Loughborough University on March 29.