A TALENTED pair of Delamere CofE Academy pupils are celebrating after winning prestigious sports scholarships to Abbeygate College in Chester.

Natasha Cobb and Harry Fountain have become the first from the school to earn the sought-after award.

Natasha, 10, and Harry, 11, were put through a series of stringent sporting tests and scored impressively to ward off competition from scores of other hopefuls.

Delamere PE Teacher Tom Freeman wrote a letter for the pair, backing their bid for the scholarship.

He said: “Sport and physical activity are such a big part of what we do at school, and I think this sets a great example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination.

“We’re very proud of both Natasha and Harry and hope their achievement can inspire others at the school.”

The Year 6 pupils represent Delamere at a number of sports between them, as well as local teams in netball, hockey and football.

They were put through rigorous exams by Abbeygate, which focused on hand-eye coordination, agility and jumping.

Now they are preparing to start at the Chester independent school in September.

Delamere Academy is part of North West Academies Trust (NWAT), which prides itself on the extensive and diverse sporting provision within its schools, with inter school sports a key part of the experience.

Steve Docking, CEO of NWAT, believes sport is a great way to raise confidence, improve fitness and encourage teamwork.

He said: “We operate PE programmes across all our academies which ensure all children can compete in some form of sport.

“All children are recognised for participating, and, with the extra opportunities they are given to shine, we see them grow in confidence which can help them in all aspects of school life.”

Delamere Academy is ranked the highest performing primary in West Cheshire according to the latest performance tables. For more information, email admin@delamere.cheshire.sch.uk or call 01829 707 979.