CHILDREN were given a glimpse of the cars of the future when they visited Ford’s Dunton plant.

About 200 youngsters visited the company’s research and development centre, in Laindon, as part of an employee “take your child to work day”.

The budding engineers got to see mum and dad at work, and learn about what jobs are available in the automotive industry.

The Ford team made sure the children got some hands-on experience during their trip.

Highlights included a visit to the centre’s test track, where they got to feel some speed as they whizzed around in several Ford sports cars, including the new Focus RS.

Conrad Gurnett, a senior foreman at Ford, whose son Harry, 15, and daughter Kelly, 13, attended, said: “They were both very excited and couldn’t wait to tell their mother about the day’s happenings when they got home.

“My daughter also won the environmental poster competition.

“She was pleased she managed to shake hands with Graham Hoare, the head of the plant.”