PENCILS and brains were sharpened as the Wellington School Maths Challenge once again attracted a large number of children.

More than 170 students from 44 primary schools took part and the winners were Wembdon St George’s Primary School.

Now in its 21st year, the annual event is aimed at children aged ten or 11 from schools across Somerset and Devon.

Schools are invited to enter a team of four pupils who work together to solve 25 questions in one hour.

Their problem-solving skills are put to the test with a range of tasks based on principles from across mathematics.

Peter Buckingham, head of Maths at Wellington School, said: “We were delighted to see so many enthusiastic and talented mathematicians working together and pitting their wits against each other.

“This event has grown over the 21 years we have been running it and it is always good to see new schools joining in.

“These young mathematicians have impressed us all with their enthusiasm. They have successfully solved problems by working together and sharing their

methods.”

The winners took home books, puzzles and the satisfaction of having risen to the challenge.

Joint second were Kingsbury Episcopi Primary School and Combe St Nicholas Primary School, and third was Creech St Michael Primary School.

Special prizes for the first estimating task went to Milverton Primary School, Hambridge School and Rockwell Green Primary School.