A world land speed record attempt helped to involve youngsters in a science competition – and two Copeland schools are celebrating their success.

Energy Coast UTC’s year 11 pupils and primary school students from Lowca Community School visited RAF Leeming, North Yorkshire, to take part in the Bloodhound rocket car regional challenge.

The university technical college students, based at Lillyhall, placed first, second, fourth and fifth in their final while Lowca’s team picked up third place in the junior section.

Graeme Jackson, head of engineering at the UTC, said: “Our students performed brilliantly and showcased their advanced engineering skills to perfection. We are looking forward to the next stage of the competition.”

While Lowca Community School teacher Jane Lawson said: “It was a brilliant learning experience, we were invited by the UTC and our pupils met the army, navy, marines and the air force, who talked to them about careers.

“Everybody had a fantastic day, there were secondary schools there too and it was good to see the difference in designs.

“Our youngest team came third in the junior school section and our school’s name will be on the Bloodhound now.”

The Bloodhound Project is a global engineering scheme, using the 1,000mph world land speed record attempt to inspire the next generation to get involved in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The record attempt involves producing a supersonic car that is designed to go faster than the speed of sound (supersonic) and over 1,000mph.

And the competition, organised to help youngsters engage with the project, saw teams of students design and construct rocket cars before racing them in controlled conditions.

Successful UTC pupils will now have the chance to enter the competition’s final at Santa Pod Raceway, Bedfordshire.

They will have the chance to win first prize which is £1,000 for the school and a VIP trip to South Africa to watch the Bloodhound supersonic car’s record attempt.