BRAINY youngsters at St Patrick’s School are programming robots and engineering with Lego in a global competition.

The children at the school’s after-school sessions create challenges for sensor-fitted robots using Lego structures.

First Lego League introduces young people, ages nine to 14 to science and technology. It features more than 25,000 teams in approximately 80 countries.

At first, the school will compete against other schools in the county, including local competition from Ennerdale and Kinniside School. If it beats off county competition, it will go on to battle national and international schools.

The school’s parent and teacher association contributed £300 towards the £450 project which 10 children are taking part in.

Bobby Cornish, 10, from Cleator Moor, was busy creating a Lego structure that the robots will interact with.

“When I’m finished, everyone’s pieces will come together,” said Bobby. “I really enjoy making things because I like being creative.”

Kayleigh Daniels, project engineer for React Engineering, said that the project was inspiring for young children in West Cumbria because there are so many engineering opportunities in the region.

“This is very important for inspiring young people, particularly girls,” said Kayleigh.

“Girls are massively underrepresented in engineering and projects like this really help to bridge the skills gap.”

Rod Reid, a teacher who supervises the after school sessions, said: “If you were to ask the children what they thought engineering was before this project, they wouldn’t have known and probably thought it was boring.

“This has helped open their minds too it and it lets them be creative. The idea is to make this part of the children’s science curriculum next year if it all goes well this year.”