Sports students from Dunottar School in Reigate spent part of their Easter holidays in France, where they came second in an international netball competition.

The Year 10 students took part in the Under 16 Challenger Shield Competition near Disneyland Paris, and as well as playing in matches, their three-day programme included four hours of gruelling netball challenges and coaching.

In total, they beat five teams - including one from Australia - to reach the final. Head of PE at Dunottar, Elaine Pieters said: “The game was excellently fought by both sides, with every last ounce of energy being used.”

She said: “Dunottar gained many comments from the umpires and coaches for their excellent sportsmanship and an impressive performance on court.

“It was a very proud moment to receive our trophy for second place in front of so many other teams, many of whom were a year older.”

She said: “The whole team played to an impressive standard throughout the tour and left us glowing with pride. “It would be absolutely impossible to pick a player of the tour, so it goes to every single member of the team!”