A team from Altrincham Grammar School beat off fierce competition to be named runner up in the grand final of The National Young Mathematicians Awards.

They triumphed over 1,200 challengers from across the country to take their place at the event at Cambridge University last week.

But after weeks of hard work, tough mathematical training and three days of intense competitions, Alex Volkovoy, Gautham Ravisankar, Yevan Malmuthuge and Ibrahim Jamal from Altrincham came second.

The children took part in two dramatic heats where they showed off their teamwork, initiative and mathematical prowess to make it to the final where they battled against four secondary schools from High Wycombe, Nottingham, Chepstow and Rugby.

Despite fantastic efforts they were pipped at the post by a team of four from Lawrence Sheriff School in Rugby but were given a fantastic prize by maths guru and University Challenge legend, Bobby Seagull!

The annual competition is organised by tuition provider, Explore Learning, and NRICH at the University of Cambridge with the main aim of inspiring children across the UK to see the fun that maths can bring, push themselves to reach their full potential and to work as a team.

Bobby said: “A massive congratulations to Altrincham Grammar School for Boys for doing so well in this year’s competition! They were so close to victory, but undoubtedly should be proud of their amazing efforts. I was so impressed by the level of team work, mathematical thinking and diligence shown by the runners-up. I am confident that they have bright mathematical futures ahead of them!”

Charlotte Gater, head of curriculum at Explore Learning, said: “We had the highest number of entries this year and so the team of four from Altrincham Grammar School for Boys have done amazingly well to be runners up and get some of the highest scores in the country!

"We hope this gives them the confidence to value their strengths, inspire their fellow school friends and consider a career in maths!

"Perhaps we have got a future Stephen Hawking or Bobby Seagull amongst them!

As well as being named some of the best young mathematicians in the country, the runners up team were awarded incredible prizes from Meccano, Letts Revision, i-Top and Sum Fun.

Sarah Chancellor, maths teacher at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys said: “I feel incredibly proud that Altrincham Grammar School for Boys made the National Finals of the Young Mathematicians Awards.

"Our team thoroughly enjoyed the challenges set in each round of the competition. Their problem solving skills were stretched and they all had to contribute to ensure the task got completed within the time given.

"Our boys have been very excited throughout the competition, and representing our school at the University of Cambridge has been an inspiring experience. I know this day will remembered by us all for many years to come."