STUDENTS from a Penarth school have made it through to the UK final of a science and engineering competition.

Sixth form students from St Cyres have progressed to the national finals of the Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Competition after wowing the judges at the regional heats.

Veerain Patel, Dion Petherick, Felix Peterken, Nabil Khan, Callum Gandy, Rhys Macfarlane and Matthew Jackson progressed thanks to their B nut torque transformer tool, a real business challenge set by aircraft engine supplier GE Aviation.

They will now go on to join over 200 other project teams from across the UK in the finals, which take place during The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Fair at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre in March 2017.

The Big Bang Competition is an annual contest designed to recognise and reward young people's achievements in all areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), as well as helping them build skills and confidence in project-based work.

The competition is open to 11-18yr olds, and gives participants the chance to compete for top prizes such as international experiences worth over £50,000 and prestigious awards such as UK Young Scientist and UK Young Engineer of the Year.

James Odlum from St Cyres School said: "Having the opportunity to put theory into practice has been great fun and has given the team an idea of just how interesting a career in engineering could be.

"The project has also helped the students develop technical skills and learn how to work well together as a team.

"To be through to the national final is the icing on the cake and the team can’t wait to show off their projects again and hope to come back from the UK finals in March with an award."

Commenting on St Cyres School’s success, Paul Jackson, chief executive of EngineeringUK, which organises the competition said: "This year’s entries to the Big Bang competition highlight how talented the UK’s young scientists and engineers are.

"It is easy to see why St Cyres School’s projects have secured a place at the national finals.

"We’re now excited about seeing all the finalists come together at the fair in March, where they will have the chance to impress the judges and inspire other young visitors."

"Congratulations to St Cyres School and good luck for March."