THE sky's the limit for two talented pupils at a Winchester school.

Young badminton aces Panuga Riou, 12, and Rebecca Fifield, 14, from Westgate School, are both tearing up the local and national circuits as stars of the future.

Panuga, who hails from Emsworth, is already playing for England and hopes to get to the Olympic Games one day.

PE teacher and nationally ranked badminton player Dave Shawley said: "If Panuga is not beating me by the time she's in Year 11 we're doing something wrong. She is a very skilful player."

The high-hitting youngster has been at Westgate School since September and is funded by the Badminton Association.

Westgate has a state-of-the art badminton hall, built in 2002, which is used for county competitions.

Rebecca, from Waterlooville, is also funded to study at Westgate and develop her badminton talents. She will soon be seen competing on the county circuit.

"We have played each other before but Panuga always wins," said Rebecca, who hopes to become a fitness instructor.

Both girls follow a curriculum which makes time for academic lessons and their badminton training.