ASHLEIGH Primary School has won the annual Darwen spelling championship for the third time in seven years.

Their team of Amber Cameron and Lewis Ormerod scored 100 per cent, beat joint runners- up from St Barnabas’ Primary School and Turton and Edgworth Primary School, by one point.

“I’m really proud of them,” said Ashleigh year six teacher Julia Broadley, who accompanied the team.

The St Barnabas duo of Brittany Cooper and Samuel Penkethman were praised for their efforts as they only had one night to prepare, as the original entrants dropping out through illness.

Competitors were asked to spell words such as manoeuvre, beleaguered, hydrangea and harass.

Gil Riley, secretary of the Rotary Club of Darwen, presented the prizes.

The club sponsor the competition which is organised by Harold Heys.