Young mathematicians in Richmond are being encouraged to enter the National Young Mathematicians' Awards.

The competition is aimed at school children across the UK, where primary and secondary school children compete against each other to be crowned mathematicians of the year.

Now in its ninth year, the free competition was the UKs first team maths contest for schools. It is organised by Explore Learning and NRICH at the University of Cambridge.

Schools across Hampton are invited to enter a team of four pupils who will have the opportunity to tackle a never-before-seen mathematical problem. By popular demand, this year’s competition will be split into two levels. The Primary Competition is for pupils in Year 6 and below while the Secondary Competition is for pupils in Year 8 students and younger.

Bobby Seagull will be presenting the awards, which will be held next year, said: “I’m really pleased to be the ambassador for this year’s National Young Mathematicians’ Awards. Maths is in my blood and I’m thrilled to be able to inspire the next generation who might one day study at the University of Cambridge themselves – and perhaps appear on University Challenge.

"Maths is such an integral part of our everyday lives and having competitions like this really encourages children to see the importance of it and excitement that it can bring. I can’t wait to celebrate the children’s success with them.”

The contest is be made up of three rounds. The first rounds, which takes place on November 7-8 between 12:00 – 2:00pm, sees teams compete against other local schools at Explore Learning, Inside Sainsbury's in Hampton.

The semi-finals are to be held on December 5-6 between 12:00 - 2:00 pm. The highest scoring schools in each region will battle it out to become the top five teams in the UK. The highest scoring schools from across the UK will go to Cambridge to take part in the January final.

Charlotte Gater, Head of Curriculum at organisers of the competition, Explore Learning says: “We are very excited to be launching the eighth National Young Mathematicians’ Awards. After the positive feedback from teachers, parents and children alike we have decided to grow the competition to encompass secondary school children as well – giving those from years seven and eight the opportunity to show off their maths skills and compete in a fun, challenging environment.”

Schools can enter via www.explorelearning.co.uk/youngmathematicians.