STUDENTS had a supersonic experience when they met a team hoping to break the world land speed record.

Youngsters from schools across the region descended on Croft Circuit, near Darlington, to take part in the North-East heat of the school motorsport competition, Greenpower.

The competition is designed to change views around engineering and demonstrate the importance of engineering to young people.

As part of the event, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) brought the Bloodhound SuperSonic Car to the circuit to help inspire the youngsters to pursue careers in science and engineering.

IMechE is one of the key sponsors of the car, which aims to break the world land speed record of 763mph in spring next year, with a 1,000mph attempt in South Africa planned for later in the year.

Mike Lambert, spokesman at IMechE, said: “We need to encourage more young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), to ensure we have the right skills to keep the country’s economy growing and to tackle the big challenges facing humankind like rising population and climate change.

“At the moment the number of people pursuing STEM careers is just not enough to meet future demands, which is why inspiring young people through Bloodhound SSC and Greenpower is so important.”