MELROSE pupils have yet again mastered Europe.

The primary school came out on top of the Scottish Borders Euroquiz last week - for the third year running.

The Melrose team was amongst 15 schools taking part in the regional competition at Galashiels Academy.

Organised by the Scottish European Educational Trust, subjects covered in the quiz included history, geography, sport, culture, languages and the European Union.

Melrose faced stiff competition from Coldingham Primary in the final.

The team of Alexander Hart, Rufus Mollart, Grace McWhinnie, Thea Foulkes and Meghan Roper will now progress to the national finals in May at the Scottish Parliament.

Education director Donna Manson told us: “This annual event goes from strength to strength and remains a tremendous example of the way in which children from all over the Borders can come together to experience learning in a fun and good-spirited way.

“The knowledge displayed by all these young people was impressive and they are each to be commended, both for their individual and team contributions, and for the well-mannered way in which this competition was fought.

“Many congratulations to Melrose on yet another well-deserved win. To have retained the title for three years in a row is very impressive and they should be very proud of their achievement.

"I wish them all the very best as they go forward to the national finals in May.”

As well as Melrose and Coldingham primaries, other school staking part were Channelkirk, Drumlanrig, Heriot, Kingsland, Kirkhope, Newtown, St Boswells, St Margaret's in Galashiels, St Peter's, St Ronan's, West Linton Primary, Yarrow and Yetholm.

Schools were also invited to take part in an optional art competition in the build up to Euroquiz by producing a piece of art that represented their chosen nation.

Winner of this year’s competition was Newtown Primary School who created a bright and colourful collage based on their impressions of Spain.

Mrs Manson added: “Congratulations must also go to Newtown on their creative interpretation of the competition brief.

"Their submission captured the bold colours and key elements of the Spanish culture in a striking piece that was a worthy winner.

"From support staff to teachers, parents and fellow pupils, this truly was a team effort which is appreciated by everyone who took part."