A SCHOOL Scrabble champion is hoping his skills could win cash rewards for him and his school.

Robert Richardson showed he has a way with words when he became Rainham Mark Grammar School’s Scrabble champion. He now goes on to compete in the finals of the first National School Scrabble Championship to be held since 1999.

Philip Nelkon, a spokesman for Scrabble maker Mattel, said: “Scrabble has long been regarded as a useful learning tool. It combines fun with vocabulary and spelling, and this championship will add some extra excitement and competition to the experience.”

The national winner will receive £500, plus £1,000 for their school.