CHEMISTRY students from Nelson and Colne College have received a trophy after winning a place in the national finals of a schools competition.

First year chemistry students Helene Duerden, Rebecca Taylor and Mark Turner, all 17, took top spot in the North West round of the Schools Analyst competition by beating off stiff competition from other schools and colleges in the region.

Tony Cookson, a senior analyst with North West Water, visited the college to present the team with a trophy for winning the heat.

The trio have a lot to live up to because last year three students from the college, Richard Mole, Helen Atkinson and Ian Edworthy, won the national title, although they were only runners-up in the regional heat.

"After last year's success this was tremendous news, especially as it is the first time we have won a regional round," said tutor Jill Hunt.

"We wish Helene, Rebecca and Mark the best for the next round."

The trio are off to Canterbury on Monday to tackle teams from across the country in the national final.

Helene and Rebecca live in Barrowford while Mark comes from Brierfield.

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