It was a battle of quick thinking, memory and playing his cards right when 11-year-old Ashley Todd beat his remaining rivals in the National Top Trumps Schools Tournament.

The Irthington Village School pupil was crowned champion at the final staged at the Thinktank Science Museum, in Birmingham.

Ashley initially became his school champ. He then went on to compete nationally online and qualified for the final from a starting line up of about 125,000 youngsters, aged six to 11.

His hands were shaking when he sat down to play the first of two heats but he managed to compose himself and in the end came out on top.

“It was fun,” he said. “I was very nervous. I was just pleased to get in the final.

“I like how there’s a bit of skill and a bit of luck involved in it.”

Ashley, who lives in Irthington, gained points in the heats - coming in third and then second - before making it into the grand final with five others.

He was cheered on by his parents Fiona and Richard and sister Amelia but at times it was too much for his proud mum to watch.

“I just about couldn’t bear the tension even in the heats. The children were all so serious,” said Mrs Todd.

“He played really well in the final. It was down to him and another boy but I had to put my fingers in my ears and close my eyes I couldn’t bear the tension in the last few cards that they played. Then I heard a cheers and I turned to my little girl to ask what happened and she said ‘Ashley’s just won’. It was amazing. I don’t think he can quite believe it either.”

The game - which has been hailed as a learning tool - was invented in 1977 and since then numerous variations of it have emerged. Packs are based on different topics such as sports cars, footballers and the Wonders of the World.

Ashley said its important to concentrate a remember the cards others hold as the aim is to win all the cards. Players also need to be extremely fast at absorbing of facts and statistics of the categories involved.

It was introduced in school by key stage two teacher Simon Bulmer.

Of Ashley’s success, he said: “We’re very proud of him. He did very well and did a certain amount of practising before he went, so he took it seriously.”