YOUNG engineers are gearing up to take on their national counterparts after coming out on top in a regional technology competition.

An all-female team from Maltings Academy won this year's Faraday Challenge which was held by the Institute of Engineering and Technology at the Witham school.

The year 8 youngsters will now head to the national finals at The Savoy in London in July after beating off competition from neighbouring schools.

The day was themed around satellite technology and space telescopes with the students learning about space engineering before developing their own product and prototype.

Pupils had to present their ideas to a panel of judges in a Dragons Den-style event where they were asked questions about their product.

Head of science Paul Tyrrell said: "The girls designed a clean air system which could be used in transportation and built a working prototype equipped with fans and an electrical circuit.

"They went on quite a journey during the challenge as they started the day feeling quite overwhelmed.

"But they really pulled together and showed amazing teamwork and dynamic ideas which led to a fully working prototype which they presented professionally.

"The teamwork and problem-solving on the day were amazing. They learnt a lot about budgets and had to justify their decisions."

The winners were Imogen Galle, Louise Sanders, Isla Smith, Maegan Hopkins, Kymberly Wilson and Eireann Sorkin.