Move over, Carol Vorderman, Heckmondwike's own numerical genius could be on his way to the mathematical Olympics in America next year.

Chris Hardstaff, 17, was one of 25 sixth-formers from Heckmondwike Grammar School who took part in the Senior Mathematical Challenge last month. The school came away with four gold, five silver and 16 bronze certificates.

Chris's result was so good that he was invited to the next round at Leeds University in January. To get to the USA he has to pass two more rounds and a week's training session before the top six mathematicians in the country are chosen.

Chris, who is studying A-Levels in physics, music technology, maths and further maths, said: "It's really exciting because I don't remember anyone else from the school getting through to the second round - the Maths Olympiad.

"The questions aren't really out to test what you know about maths, but about thinking around problems instead."

Head of maths, Sue Metcalfe, said all the students had done exceptionally well. "The challenge is tough," she said. "Other schools generally only enter year 13 students but we also enter year 12 and they have proved they can do just as well."