Pupils and staff at a Deal school are celebrating after being named Sports College of the Year during a ceremony at Twickenham.

Christine Chapman, principal of Castle Community College, said: “Waiting for the panel to come to a decision was a tense and nail-biting time, but Castle was rewarded with a resounding win in this prestigious competition.

“We are proud of our established reputation in the county and across the UK in the sports college network and now this has been recognised and honoured officially.”

The school’s director of sport, Simon Smith, compiled the report earned them the trophy in the fourth annual Daily Telegraph-Norwich Union School Sport Matters Awards.

Elaine Head, partnership development manager, and John Castle, both members of Castle Community College’s team, were at the ceremony and were interviewed by Olympic gold medallist Sally Gunnell.

Apart from the trophy, the winning team were also presented with an England rugby shirt with Castle Community College - No1 printed on the front.

Mrs Chapman added: “This award is a tremendous reward for all students and staff for their hard work on behalf of the college during the last four years."