Maths whizz kids were put through their paces as schools from across Weymouth and Portland took part in a mathematics marathon.

Year 6 pupils from primary schools across the borough took part in the annual Primary Maths Challenge hosted by Budmouth College.

Teams of six students from Chickerell, Southill, St Andrew’s, St George’s, Portesham, St John’s, Bincombe Primary schools and Wyke Junior school took part in mathematical challenges including a maths relay, the 169 challenge with all answers using one, six and nine, the fifteen challenge where pupils were given 12 numbers and had to add, subject, multiple and even use fractions and square numbers to make 15.

There was even an exciting challenge which involved cracking codes from World War One.

Maths teacher, Laura Pearson said: “This year has been the best year for group work - they’ve have all been working together really well and communicating with each other.”

Fellow maths teacher Emma Taylor said all the pupils have performed incredibly well and had “thought outside the box.”

The Primary Maths Challenge has been running at the college for more than 20 years and key stage 3 coordinator, Stuart Dennis said the challenge aimed to help pupils love maths.

“Quite often children see maths as something they can’t do. The challenge is fun and engaging with group activities. Hopefully it will help them see maths in a positive way,” Mr Dennis said.

He added it was something even the teachers looked forward to each year and helped build an inter-school relationships between the primary schools and Budmouth and its feeder schools.

“It makes the challenge of transitioning from Primary school to secondary school a lot easier for the Year 6 pupils.

“Their group work this year has been fantastic and is hopefully something that will help them in a wider context,” Mr Dennis said.