TALENTED athletes have been making their mark in their chosen sports with a series of successes and international selection.
Boys and girls from St John's Catholic School and Sixth Form College, A Catholic Academy, Bishop Auckland, have secured top results in a variety of disciplines so far this year.
The Year 7 netball team performed outstandingly in the South West Durham Netball League winning all their games to take the top spot. They also won the South West Durham Netball tournament.
PE teacher Maureen McGowan said: “As well as some great results the girls displayed excellent team spirit.
“This is a fantastic start to their learning journey at St John's. We are very proud of them and wish them every success as they continue to play netball.”
The Year 10 netball team also had a brilliant season winning the South West Durham Netball Tournament and League.
Mrs McGowan said: “They too are very good role models for younger students and have displayed excellent commitment and enthusiasm when playing. They also showed outstanding skills at the North Durham County Tournament, where they reached the semi-finals.”
The Year 8 rugby squad kept up the winning streak taking the Cleveland County Cup for a second consecutive year thanks to a fantastic performance in the final against Carmel College, Darlington, which they won 35-25.
At the recent Level 3 School Games County Finals St John's students secured two titles, the first in the Year 8 Sports Hall Athletics and also the Year 7/8 Table Tennis competition.
In the table tennis, St John's students won three games and drew one game in a round robin competition, positioning them top of the league.
Head of sport Jo Somers said: “A special mention must go to Charlotte Higgins as one of only two girls at the event. All of our students were a credit to the school and executed their skills brilliantly.”
She also had high praise for students whose sporting prowess has been recognised by being selected to represent Great Britain at the fourth annual International Sports Federation for Catholic Schools (FISEC) Games in Romania.
Tess Graham, Michael Graham, Joseph Dobson, Adam Wilson and Chloe Fairclough will represent Great Britain Catholic Schools in swimming and athletics at the games, which are due to be staged in Bucharest between July 15 and 21.
Mrs McGowan said: “We are all very proud of our students and their sporting talents. They are an absolute credit to our community and we are delighted that their talents are shining through. We continue to wish them every success in their sporting endeavours.”