TECHNICALLY minded youngsters won a school design challenge by developing their own tools to solve tough engineering problems.

Two teams of six Year 7 pupils from Westcliff High School for Boys, in Kenilworth Gardens, beat off the competition in the Faraday Challenge, which took place at Queen Mary University, in London.

It gave children the opportunity to research, design and make prototype solutions to tough engineering problems.

Assistant headteacher Kerrie Rankin said: “The challenge day is something which our Year 7 entrants this year have particularly enjoyed along with the opportunity to compete against teams from other schools”.

This year, the challenge was based around the BBC Micro Bit, a pocket-size codeable computer which will be delivered to all Year 7 pupils over the next six months.

The boys were given the task of using the equipment to develop three tools for use in medicine, industry or sport.

The students competed against teams from Southend High School for Boys and King Edward VI Grammar School, in Chelmsford.

Judging was based on team work, innovation, design ability, tenacity, and presentational skills.

The Westcliff High team were supported by their mentor, Bob Easby, and competed to win a prize for themselves and a trophy for their school.