Eleven-year-old Ella Giles beat off the challenge of girls much older than herself to help Solihull School’s skiers excel in the Midlands’ biggest ski competition.

Ella was one of four skiers from the independent school to be placed among the five fastest ladies across all age groups at slalom in the Birmingham Area and South Midlands Schools Ski Race, held at the Ackers Adventure Centre.

The fifth fastest female overall was in a mixed group with Annabel Dalby, Dan Giles and Oscar Montgomery that won the Under 12 team event.

Amy Middleton of Solihull’s Under 19 team was the second fastest girl overall while her team members Libby Thomas was third fastest and Hannah Shakeshaft fourth fastest. The team also came second overall.

Solihull’s Thomas Lawrence, Daniel Sandler and Patrick Kelly won the Under 16 boys’ team title and finished third among skiers aged up to 18. Thomas was also fifth in the individual male rankings.

Montgomery Fergus from Solihull was the third fastest male at Under 10 level.

Solihull School entered seven teams aged from 10 to 18 for the first time in the annual race, which attracted a total of 48 teams.

Martyn Garner, Master in charge of Skiing, said: “All our teams performed well, especially our juniors many of whom who were racing for the first time. They were all terrific ambassadors for our school where skiing has become very popular.”

Solihull School’s skiers have also taken the opportunity to practice their skills in competitions in France and Switzerland over the past few months.