A spelling superstar has made her way in to the national final for spelling Spanish words.

Andriana Chacholiades, from Highlands School, has beaten competition from more than 61,000 fellow Year 7 pupils to make it to the national final.

Each finalist will be given 200 words to memorise in their chosen language and will then have 60 seconds to write them down.

In Andriana’s case, she has chosen Spanish and the 11-year-old linguist is hoping to claim top prize at the finals on Friday, July 4, at Anglia Ruskin University.

Sarah Schechter, project manager at the university, said: “We’re amazed at how the spelling bee continues to grow year on year.

“It gives Year 7 pupils the opportunity to really improve their language skills, while also having a lot of fun in the process.

“Studies have shown that being able to speak a foreign language has many other benefits, including improving memory, multitasking and decision-making.  Therefore the skills these youngsters have shown in reaching the final should prove useful in other subjects as well.”