A TALENTED Pangbourne school's hockey team has taken fourth place nationally in the Independent Association of Prep School (IAPS) competition.

The Under 13 boys team at St Andrew's school managed a 5-0 win against Bedford Prep, followed by a tough 1-0 victory against King's Hall, Taunton.

The team also beat St Andrew's Eastbourne, 2-0 to secure a top spot in the group.

In the quarter-final the team beat Town Close School, Norwich, 2-0, to set up a semi against Dean Close.

Freddie Blacker, head boy and captain of the boys' hockey team, said: "St Andrew's has become known for being strong at hockey amongst the schools on our circuit.

"To have played against the top 20 hockey schools in the country at the nationals, many of whom are double our size and play two terms a year, was a massive challenge.

"To have become fourth in the country is incredible and has never been achieved before at St Andrew's and I am so proud of our hockey team and great coaching staff."