CHILDREN from schools across the region are putting their creative skills to the test with a vehicle design competition run by Newcastle Science City, a partnership between Newcastle City Council and Newcastle University.

The competition, which boasts a £1,000 cash prize for the winning school, was launched as part of the British Science Festival in September.

It is hoped that it will harness the science and engineering skills of school children in the North East who will be designing a low carbon vehicle of the future.

Vicky Raynor, science subject lead and Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) coordinator at Stephenson Memorial Primary School, Wallsend said: “As soon as I saw the competition I knew it was something the children and staff at Stephenson Memorial would be excited to be part of.

“It provides the children with a purpose for their science learning and the opportunity to use their creative side, as well as Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) their fantastic understanding of science and technology.

“It fits in so well with our STEM curriculum and we cannot wait to get started. The children are so excited to let their imagination run wild and are relishing the opportunity to win some of the fantastic prizes on offer.”

Schools from across the region have been registering to take part in the competition with the chance to win a visit to the only vehicle test track in the North of England, a tour of Nissan to see how electric vehicles are made, and a £1,000 cash prize to invest in science at the winner’s school.

The competition is for schools and school children aged 7-16.

All entrants will present their ideas at an awards event during National Science and Engineering Week in March 2014, where the designs will be judged by a panel of experts including partners from industry.