STUDENTS at Witchford Village College had a smashing time last week when they officiated at this year s All England Open Badminton Championships. Year Ten pupils at the college acted as line judges at the event, which is ranked one of the most important

STUDENTS at Witchford Village College had a "smashing" time last week when they officiated at this year's All England Open Badminton Championships.

Year Ten pupils at the college acted as line judges at the event, which is ranked one of the most important Badminton competitions outside of the Olympic Games and World Championships.

Olympic silver medallists Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms headed an impressive line-up at the Birmingham Indoor Arena.

The opportunity for the group of students to watch and rule over some of world's finest players came courtesy of the Cambridgeshire School developing its BTEC Sport and Exercise Science course in partnership with the Badminton Association of England.

David Smith, director of sport at the school, said: "It's a great honour for the students to be involved in the championships. It is a fantastic opportunity for them to officiate and see world class athletes in action and I'm sure it will have a massive positive impact on their studies.