A TEAM from Okehampton College have won the local heat of the 2011 Times Spelling Bee.

The college team, consisted of Jacob Sherlock,12, Matthew Stoner, 12, Flora Daniel, 12, with Chloe Voaden, 12, as a reserve (pictured right).  

They competed against five teams from local schools at Plymouth Cineworld on May 12.

Robin Neave, teacher from Okehampton College said: 'I'm absolutely delighted and so proud; they did incredibly well.'

Matthew Stoner said: 'Coming here was an experience, but winning was even better!'

In second place was Dawlish Community College, with Trinity School, Teignmouth, and Eggbuckland Community College, joint third.

More than 1000 schools from across the UK have entered the Times Spelling Bee.

Okehampton College will go forward to the semi-finals in May. The eleven winning teams from the semis will then travel to London to compete in the grand final at the O2 Arena on Thursday, June 23.

The Times Spelling Bee is one of a series of nationwide initiatives to help inspire children and support teachers.