MATHS boffins at Bury College came out with plenty of plus signs after their performance in a nationwide competition.

For three students - Anh Thu Trinh (17), Nicholas Grimshaw (16), and Jennifer Muir (16) - achieved bronze certificates in the senior challenge, run by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust. More than 87,000 students aged 16 to 18 took part in the competition, which included multiple choice questions answered in exam conditions.Bronze, silver and gold certificates were presented to 40 per cent of participants.

Gary Helm, maths tutor at Bury College in Market Street, said: "The challenge is difficult. People who enter this competition are amongst the most able mathematicians within their schools and colleges.

Students found the test demanding, however with the support from the maths tutors, an outstanding result was achieved."