Two Year 8 students from St Mary’s School in Menston are enjoying competing in high-level sport this year.

Thirteen-year-old Izzy Palmer is continuing to excel at her chosen sport of dressage.

She and her Welsh-thoroughbred cross pony, Gregonne Coco Chanel, won their classes on November 17 to the Para Winter Championships in March 2014.

She recently won an able-bodied competition at elementary level and was awarded British Dressage Northern Award for the Team Rider of the Year.

Her first national squad training for excel talent is held in December. The Excel Programme, which is funded by Sport England, looks to provide a pathway to underpin the World Class Programme and help riders develop to be the best they can in their chosen discipline.

Meanwhile, another St Mary’s student, Samantha Breen, has been competing at the exciting Olympic sport of synchronised swimming.

She said: “I won a medal at the Scottish National age groups. I swam as part of the City of Leeds 12 and Under Squad. I was in Glasgow for three days and competed against teams from Scotland and across England.

“We came third in our age group.

“Our next big competition is in Gloucester and is the British National Age Group Synchronised Swimming Championships.”

Student progress leader for Year 8 at St Mary’s, Giles Wilkes, said: “Once again, well done to both girls.

“I am sure there will be more to celebrate as they move up through the years at St Mary’s School.”