A GIRLS’ netball team has qualified for a national finals.

The under-14 squad from Durham High School for Girls, in Durham City, reached the finals of the National Schools Competition by finishing second in a North-East heat, held at Blue Flames sports club, in Newcastle, last month.

They played six matches, winning four and losing two - scoring 21 points.

Central Newcastle High School won the event.

The Durham team’s finish was good enough to secure them a place in the national finals, to be held in Southampton in March.

The squad was: Lauren McMillan (captain), Nicola Tweedy, Brogan Woodward, Charlotte Marsden, Georgia Halliday, Holly Mitchell, Fan Whitfield, Kate Golightly, Rowan Rochester and Georgia McMillan.

The school’s under-19 side finished fourth in their regional heat.

A school spokeswoman said: "The team worked excellently, defending well and putting into practice tactics and strategies which they have practised over the weeks.

"There was some outstanding shooting from Georgia and Lauren as well as some key interceptions from the defence. All the hard work has paid off."