IT was a moment of history when Southend High School for Girls pulled off the double at the English Schools Track and Field Cup national final at the Costello Stadium in Hull.

The Southchurch Boulevard girls won the intermediate title for the first time in the competition’s history and took the junior title for the eighth time.

It was the third year on the trot that the junior girls’ crown had been claimed — a record in itself — and their success at this level has been achieved more times than any other school.

“It was a superb performance by the girls to win both titles and we’re all very proud of them,” said head of PE Sue Simpson.

“Some have said that, despite our own outstanding feats nationally, we’ve lived in the shadow of the Boys’ School.

“Certainly they have a fabulous record of their own to be proud of, not only in the Track and Field Cup but also in the national cross-country event.

“But with this double I certainly feel we’ve stepped out of their shadow now.”