A DERBY schoolboy came 13th in a national classics essay competition which attracted more than 300 entries.

The performance of Richard Bowen, a year 10 pupil at Derby Grammar School, in Littleover, made him the third-placed boy in the junior category.

The Jowett Sendelar Essay Competition for Classics, organised by the Joint Association of Classics Teachers, attracted 304 entries, mainly from independent schools across the country.

A spokesman for the Rykneld Road school said: "The competition attracted a record number of entrants. Richard's achievement is outstanding and the highest placed so far during the time the school has been entering. His essay was thoroughly researched and very well written."

Richard won a book token for his essay, which had the title of Rome and Alexandria.