HOWBRIDGE Church of England Junior School were victorious as they hosted the 14th annual Howbridge Tournament.

A total of 230 children from nine different schools descended on the Witham school to take part in three separate tournaments.

It was the school's most successful tournament since it began in 2005 and Howbridge came out winners of the netball and boys' football and were runners-up in the girls' football.

Netball coach Sarah Brunt said: "It was amazing to see how far the girls have come.

"This is a superb way to end the year."

In the netball competition, Howbridge overcame Elm Hall in the final, narrowly beating them 2 -1, while the boys' football saw Howbridge edge victory over local rivals Chipping Hill, winning 1-0 in a very tight final.

Tournament organiser Emma French added: "This is what PE at school is all about - enjoyment and sportsmanship in a competitive setting."

Merfyn Roberts, Beacon Hill Football Club chairman, and England Boys' Under-15s coach awarded the trophies at the end of a thrilling afternoon.

Howbridge headteacher Sean Wade said: "This is one of the highlights of the year for our school - and to do so well is a testament to all of the hard work our staff do with sports coaching at Howbridge.

"It's been an amazing year for us."