A supersonic car set to attempt a land speed world record visited students in West Cumbria.

Hundreds of school children gathered at Lakes College, Lillyhall, yesterday to learn about the Bloodhound Project, a global engineering scheme.

The scheme aims to inspire youngsters to get involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through the record attempt.

Organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers' (IMechE) west Cumbria committee, the event saw three members of the project's education team lead the children in a series of activities.

Mark Holmes, from IMechE, said: "We look to organise a number of events during the year to encourage young people into STEM subjects because there is a recognised shortage of engineers in the country.

"The children have been learning about the background of the Bloodhound Project, hearing how it works and finding out about the physics behind rocket engines in easily understood terms.

"It was absolutely fantastic, the level of noise from the excitement was incredible. The children were really engaged and we've had positive comments from the teachers."

Pupils also built their own cars and fired them along a track, with the winning students getting their team name printed on the rocket car before its world record bid.

More sessions will run at Lakes College today (Friday) with another 200 children expected to attend.

Chris Nattress, principal of Lakes College, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be hosting the Bloodhound event here at Lakes College with the IMechE.

"We work very closely with the institute, so it's a privilege for us to be providing a venue for such an exciting, high-profile engineering showcase."

Last night, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers held its annual dinner at the college, which included a talk on the Bloodhound Project.

There was a charity raffle in aid of Cockermouth Mountain Rescue Team, Hospice at Home West Cumbria and Great North Air Ambulance.

For more information on the rocket car, visit www.bloodhoundssc.com