Three riders from Felsted Preparatory School are celebrating after being crowned winners of the National Schools Jumping Championships beating 17 other schools. Sam Malins, Tessa Reed and Anna Stonham, all aged 13, competed at the prestigious 44th Junior

Three riders from Felsted Preparatory School are celebrating after being crowned winners of the National Schools Jumping Championships beating 17 other schools.

Sam Malins, Tessa Reed and Anna Stonham, all aged 13, competed at the prestigious 44th Junior Schools' Jumping Championships at Hickstead last Wednesday.

Having completed successful rounds in the preliminary competition, jumping a one metre course, they qualified for the finals in the International Arena. The jumps were raised and the pressure was on, but they all rose to the challenge.

They were the only school to have three clear rounds in the finals and after stunning performances from them all, were crowned champions.

Sam Malins' impressive performance against the clock meant that he also took third place in the individual competition.

Headmistress, Mrs Jenny Burrett, said: "I am clearly delighted and wish to thank my staff, parents and pupils for this superb effort.

"I acknowledge the extraordinary commitment required to compete at this level, especially given that the pupils also represent this small school in so many other areas.