The four pupils from Wellington College in south Belfast competed against students from schools in South Africa, New Zealand, China, England, Scotland and Wales in the world final of the Kids Lit Quiz.

It was the first time a school from Northern Ireland has taken part in the final stage of the competition.

The delighted teacher who travelled with the four pupils, Tanja Jennings, said: "They have really proved that children from Northern Ireland can compete on a world stage when it comes to literature.

"They were absolutely fantastic. They held their nerve even though it was extremely nailbiting. They did really well and then New Zealand got ahead of them but they then managed to beat New Zealand, who were the winners last year.

"Some of the adults in the audience couldn't believe how difficult it was but the pupils showed how fantastic they are at literature. This was the first time a school from Northern Ireland got through to the final.

"During the heats, they were beaten by England so they were determined to beat them in the finals and get placed but they did so much better then that."

Hours of revision by classmates Adam Miskimmon, Emily Graham, Caroline Carson and Eimear Nilehn paid off when they won the prestigious competition.

In order to make it to the finals in the Unipart Conference Centre in Oxford, the team from Wellington College had to beat off stiff competition from pupils from Belfast Royal Academy, which secured second place and Victoria College in third place.

The aim of the competition is to encourage a passion for reading among young people.

Miss Jennings explained: "They were so delighted and all of the kids had a wonderful experience. They are already raring to go in the next year's competition."

Sample quiz questions

What animal scared away hungry animals when he told them about a terrifying Gruffalo?

Who was the Deputy Head at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry?

Who had a teacher called Miss Honey?

Who was the American author who wrote Hop on Pop and Horton Hatches the Egg?

Who was the vegetarian and animal rights activist who suddenly found herself as the Royal Highness of Genovia?

Because his parents and uncle were dead Jack Starbright was asked to look after whom?

Who pretended that her mother was a famous Hollywood movie star in a series by Jacqueline Wilson?