Three teenage scientists won gold with their self-built rockets in an international competition.

The students who took part were Edward “Ted” Melville, from Shoebury, who attends Westcliff High School for Boys, Wilfred Biner, 14, from Rayleigh, Year 10 at FitzWimarcSchool, and Charlie Jackson, 17, attends Belfairs Academy in Leigh.

Echo: Competition time - the three teens in TexasCompetition time - the three teens in Texas (Image: Lara Melville)

They travelled to Texas in the United States this month to fly a range of their rockets against other countries from around the world.

Echo: Lift off - the rocket in flightLift off - the rocket in flight (Image: Lara Melville)

Ted’s mum Lara Melville said: “It’s truly amazing as they were up against the might of much larger teams such as the USA and China as well as many other countries.

“They’ve had lots of interest since their return including congratulations messages on social media from the likes of the UK Space agency.”

Edward has been an avid rocket scientist since primary school when at the age of eight he was designing multistage rockets in his spare time.