A RUNCORN computer champion was one of the youngest contestants to compete in the UK finals of the Microsoft Office specialist world championships.

Sandymoor pupil Jonathan Follett, aged 15, achieved the top five scores out of 10,000 tests across the country to qualify.

He travelled to London on Wednesday and just missed out on the top prize, a four-day world championship in Dallas.

Andrew Lenehan, regional account manager for prodigy learning, said: “For Jonathan to gain a place in the UK finals is an outstanding achievement especially given his young age.”

Jonathan is a Microsoft school ambassador.

Head teacher Andy Howard said: “Jonathan competed against a wide age range including university students from places such as the London School of Economics.

“He was not phased and did his very best.

“Although he was unsuccessful at the top prize, no-one can take away the experience and the knowledge that he is one of the best at using Microsoft Word in the UK.”

Jonathan is determined to compete again next year in the harder category, Microsoft Excel.

The school has launched an innovation hub, a centre for training and support for teachers and schools funded by £30,000 sponsorship from various companies.