North East schoolchildren are seeing their creative ideas turned into real-life inventions as physical prototypes.
Four young pupils from South Tyneside have won the chance to see their designs brought to life through the Little Inventors programme, delivered in partnership with Dogger Bank Wind Farm and South Tyneside Council.
Each invention draws inspiration from the ocean, with North East businesses stepping in to help turn the concepts into physical prototypes.
Lillie, aged seven, designed the Puffy Coat – a puffer fish-inspired garment that "puffs up" to help the wearer feel braver and more confident.
Her invention is being sponsored by Ford Aerospace.
Isla’s Crabey 3000 and Dexter’s 5G Power Paddle are also among the winning ideas, while 11-year-old Oliver created the Magni-Sub, which is being developed by Osbit.
During design visits, the young inventors and their families met the teams responsible for transforming their ideas from sketches into tangible creations.
Luke Daley of Orbital FX, who played a key role in the sessions, said: "Having the kids visit was brilliant – their energy and curiosity really brought the workshop to life.
"It was fantastic to see them getting hands-on, asking questions, and engaging with how ideas turn into real, physical creations.
"Moments like that are exactly why we’re so passionate about what we do."
The children said they were thrilled to see their ideas taken seriously.
Lillie said: "I loved showing everyone my invention and talking about how it could work.
"I’m excited to see what it looks like when it’s finished."
Her mother, Tammy, said the experience had been empowering.
She said: "The team made her feel listened to and encouraged, and that kind of experience really helps children believe in their creativity and what they’re capable of."
Isla, who came up with the Crabey 3000, said it was:
"really cool explaining how my invention works and hearing how they might build it.
"I can’t wait to see what it looks like when it’s finished."
Dexter, creator of the 5G Power Paddle, said the programme had been eye-opening.
He said: "It was amazing meeting the people who are going to help make my invention.
"It made me realise that ideas you draw at school can actually turn into something real."
Craig Bright, general manager of Little Inventors, said the programme sends an important message.
He said: "When children see professionals listening carefully to their ideas and taking them seriously, it sends a powerful message that creativity and imagination have real value.
"Seeing that first conversation between the inventors and the brilliant Orbital FX team was incredibly exciting."
Oliver also had the opportunity to visit Osbit, the company building his Magni-Sub prototype, at the Port of Tyne.
Oliver said: "It was really cool seeing where my invention might be made.
"I liked talking about how it could work in real life.
"It made me feel proud that engineers are helping me build it."
Tom Griffiths, an engineer at Osbit, said the team were keen to stay true to Oliver’s vision.
He said: "Oliver brought fantastic energy and creativity to our discussions.
"It’s been great to start looking at how we can turn his concept into something physical while keeping his original thinking at the heart of the project."
A public exhibition of all four prototypes will take place in 2027 at The Word in South Shields.
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This event will celebrate the inventiveness of young people and the strength of collaboration between South Tyneside businesses and the programme.
The Little Inventors programme has been supported by Dogger Bank Wind Farm and South Tyneside Council since 2022.
Through the partnership, thousands of local schoolchildren have explored renewable energy, climate action and the role innovation plays in shaping the future, drawing inspiration from the Dogger Bank – the world’s largest offshore wind farm – being built off the North East coast.
