CLEVER youngsters had a war of numbers ahead of the national young mathematician’s finals this weekend.

Children from across Bracknell battled it out in a series of never-seen-before mathematical problems for a place at the final, taking place at the University of Cambridge today (Wednesday, December 13).

The contest winner, Meadow Vale Primary School ,if selected for the finals, will pit its wits against four other schools from around the country to be named maths champion.

Charlotte Gater, head of curriculum at Explore Learning, which organised the competition, said: “The competition really steps up a gear at this stage, and the teams who have made it this far should be very proud indeed.

“We saw some fantastic demonstrations of team work and mathematical prowess up and down the country but only the very best will make it to the grand final.”

The children may be in with a chance of winning maths themed prizes as well as the title of the countries best young mathematicians.

The finals will be judged by author and television presenter, Kjartan Poskitt, who said: “I’m so pleased to be involved with the National Young Mathematicians’ Awards this year. I’ve heard from so many kids who have taken part in the past and they’ve all loved it and come away feeling very proud of themselves.

“There will be all sorts of fun new maths challenges, and of course nothing beats the feeling of getting an answer right.”