THE Forest High School girl's rugby team is celebrating coming sixth in the country in the under-13s national rugby finals.

After a very successful route through the district, county, then regional rugby events, the Year Seven and Eight girls took part in the rugby finals at Staines RFC in Middlesex on Saturday.

The students, at the Cinderford-based school, played out six games against opposition from all over England including: Hugh Sexey School, Oldfield Hall School, Royal Latin School, St Paul's School and Robert Clack School. After winning four games and losing two the Forest girls came out in sixth place.

The team which was formed less than 12 months ago has come on tremendously. With determination from students and teachers, and support from both the Rugby Football Union and Cirencester RFC the team took off.

Head of sport, Mark Hopkins said: "The commitment and efforts shown by the students has been superb. To have reached the national finals is a truly remarkable achievement and the girls should be so proud of what they have achieved whilst representing Forest High School. To have finished sixth in the country is tremendous and a great effort."

Yvonne Woods, executive head teacher added: "Well done girls. You have worked really hard and the whole school are extremely proud of you."