NINE engineering students are celebrating after the car they designed, built and drove came second in an international competition at the home of British motor racing - Silverstone.

The single-seater vehicle, which was built from scratch by the Newcastle University students, came second in its class at the recent Formula Student competition.

The team, all final year students at the university's school of mechanical and systems engineering, included driver Rob Exelby, from Scruton, near Bedale, North Yorkshire.

His father, Michael Exelby, is managing director of Londonderry Garage and Exelby Services, which sponsored the team's efforts.

He said: "We were delighted to support the team, which had to rely 100 per cent on attracting commercial sponsorship.

"I must congratulate the team on all their hard work for the event.

"Their commitment certainly paid off and being runner-up in their class was a tremendous achievement." Their car - NR6 - was modified from their last year's entry and powered by a Ducati V-twin 600cc motorcycle engine. Formula Student is organised by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, with engineering students designing and building a single-seater racing car and racing it against the clock.

It has been held annually since 1998 and this year attracted 105 entries from universities around the world.

Cars competed in events designed to test acceleration, manoeuvrability and endurance.