Three Thorpe St Andrew sixth formers have triumphed in the regional heat of a science competition.

Sixteen schools from Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire took part in the Schools' Analyst Competition, with Thorpe St Andrew School and Sixth Form students Erin Gerrity, Hannah Smith and Ethan Hackett winning the heat.

The aim of the contest, run by Royal Society of Chemistry's Analytical Division, was to encourage A-level chemistry students to take an interest in analysis and give them a chance to use equipment they wouldn't normally encounter in school.

The groups analysed a white powder formulation to measure its make-up, and were judged on their skill, understanding, accuracy, team work and safety in the laboratory.

The final, due to be held in June at Bangor University, will see 20 students compete for the trophy.

First place, second and third place teams will win prizes of £3,000, £2,000 and £1,000 for their school.