PUPILS from a special school were overall winners of a county-wide competition.

A group of Icknield School senior students took part in the Hampshire Schools Inclusive Competitions on Friday, 23 February.

The school, which is for children and young people aged three to 19 with severe learning difficulties, attended a panathlon event held at the Mountbatten Centre in Portsmouth.

The pupils took took part in sports such as boccia, table cricket, new age kurling, polybat, athletics, relay races and field events.

They took home a trophy, certificate and even were allowed to keep their team t-shirts.

James Russell, upper secondary teacher, said: “We are very proud of how well our senior students participated in the different sports throughout the day.

“They came across some tough competition but worked really well as a team when it mattered most.

“All their hard work in preparation for the event really paid off and they enjoyed socialising with their competitors.

“They were thrilled to be announced the winners and receive their gold medals and trophy.

“We now look forward to representing Hampshire in the champions final against other winning south England teams.”

The school has now qualified to represent Hampshire in the national competition next year.