YOUNG footballers have picked up the first piece of sporting silverware for their new school.

Paxman Academy’s girls football team have been crowned the Colchester District Year Seven Football champions.

The school in Shrub End only opened in September and the students are the first to scoop a sporting prize.

The youngsters won the tournament held at St Helena School with an unbeaten record and seven wins out of nine.

Deputy headteacher and coach Nick Mussett said: “I was delighted for the girls as they work so hard in training and are always looking to improve.

“We have a large number of girls who train and I am hoping that this is the start of a very successful squad.”

Paxman Academy opened on the site of the former Alderman Blaxill School which closed in 2015 after repeated campaigns to save it.

However, finally, falling roles meant the school was no longer viable.