pupils shone in a challenge to design solar-powered cars.

Children from Dodmire Junior School in Darlington made two cars for the Solar Car Challenge at Sunderland's Nissan factory - one for the speed section, wrapped in foil to make it faster, and one in the design section, made to look like cartoon character Spongebob Squarepants.

The Dodmire team at the event were Rachel Chapman, Andrew Robinson, Shaun Wilkinson and Amy-Claire Robson. Twenty-four schools took part, also including Abbey Junior School.