PUPILS at a Bradford school demonstrated a need for speed when they built rocket powered vehicles as part of a national competition.

Year 7 pupils at Bradford Grammar School were among thousands across the country taking part in the Race for the Line competition, which challenged pupils to design, build and race a rocket car that goes faster than 1,000mph.

Led by the BLOODHOOD team of engineers, the competition gave pupils a taste of super speed by designing their own cars using the BBC micro:bit, a mini PC that teaches youngsters and adults how to code.

Schools with the fastest teams will have the chance to win a trip to South Africa to spend a week with the BLOODHOUND team as they strive to break the Land Speed Record.

BGS head of Year 7, Emma Tomlinson said: “‘It’s been an amazing event and the pupils absolutely loved it. Their camaraderie was palpable; they demonstrated great support and encouragement of each other.

“It’s a great opportunity to get pupils excited about science, technology, engineering and mathematics, work as a team and get hands on experience of programming and aerodynamics in one of the most enjoyable ways possible.”

BGS headmaster, Simon Hinchliffe said: “This amazing competition is exciting and inspiring young engineers all over the country, with thousands of teams taking part in this event. Teachers and business leaders recognise that we all need to play a role in helping to create the next generation of electronics engineers from a young age. I’m delighted that Bradford Grammar School is playing its part and embracing this exciting project.”