Pupils had a day to remember last week as they travelled to London to take part in the Lord's Taverners National Table Cricket Finals and met England wicketkeeper Ben Foakes.

The Brampton-based William Howard School's side was one of ten to compete at Lord's Cricket Ground, for the right to call themselves national champions.

The Lord’s Taverners exists to positively impact the lives of young people facing the challenges of inequality.

Teacher Tracey Croucher was delighted that the students got the chance to see London for the first time. 

She said: "It's a long few days, but they're really enjoying it, and most of them have never been to London, so just stuff like seeing a taxi or a London bus has left them feeling ecstatic.”

Over 100 schools and 1,000 young people with disabilities took part in the county and regional qualifiers to book their place for finals day of the competition.

Pupil Jake Thorburn said: "I was not able to play during lockdown, and yes, I did miss it, so when I came back, I felt a little bit weird, but then it came back to me. 

"I was excited to play against some of the best players in the country but also very nervous. 

"I've made lots of friends playing table cricket, it is easy to make friends because you meet so many new people as long as you're nervous about asking questions."

READ MORE: School succeeds at table cricket and boccia competitions