One for the road

They may not be old enough to drive but these students have shamed the mechanical skills of many adults by building their own eco-car.

The pupils from Leon School and Sports College, in Bletchley, have built their car from scratch and will race it in a national driving competition - only the fastest vehicle doesn't win.

The team of 11 - 16-year-olds will aim for the title of the UK's most fuel efficient vehicle at the Shell Eco-marathon Youth Challenge, at the Rockingham Festival of Science on July 3.

Speed is sacrificed for efficiency as the pupils complete the course using the least fuel possible whilst maintaining an average speed of 15mph.

The Leon School team - dubbed Leonardo - came second in last year's competition with 1,322 miles per gallon (36 times more fuel efficient than a Ford Mondeo) and even beat a team from Cambridge University.

This year they are hoping for a personal best as they aim to achieve 3,000 miles per gallon.

Rupinder Jhita, design and technology teacher at Leon School and team manager of Leonardo, said: "Taking part in the competition has taught the pupils how to solve problems and they continue to amaze me with their resourcefulness.

"The Youth Challenge has given the students a genuine insight into mechanics and design and in many cases it has opened up new horizons for them.

"The pupils who have taken part are looking beyond their original careers aspirations such as bricklaying and now feel that it is attainable to become a fully qualified engineer."

The team has been mentored by local retired engineer Dave Thorn and Perry's has provided sponsorship.