MORE than 40 primary school age girls learnt how to build website, at an event aimed at inspiring the female technology leaders of the future.

The nine and ten-year-olds, from nine east Durham schools, took part in the STEMettes Hack Durham powered by Atom bank event at Durham University.

Staff and students from the university’s department of computer science teamed up with STEMettes– a social enterprise which inspires young women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects, Durham based online bank Atom and economic development organisation Business Durham to run the event.

Young delegates were introduced to website-building tools and supported to develop their own site, celebrating inspiring women in STEM. Each team presented their work to expert judges, who awarded prizes for coding skills, creativity and teamwork.

Lacie, aged ten, from Our Lady of Lourdes RVCA Primary School, Shotton Colliery, said: “It’s been really fun. I liked doing the coding. I love science.”

Laura MacDonald, a teacher at St Joseph’s RC Primary School, Blackhall, said: “For our children to mix and really work together is great. They’re doing something they don’t have very much opportunity to do.

"They’re experiencing what the world has to offer and what possibilities there are for women and for them in the future. It’s breaking down stereotypes on what they can achieve.”