PUPILS at Rawdon's Benton Park School have launched a £6,000 appeal so they can take part in an international competition in America.

The young designers qualified for the trip by winning the UK final of the Odyssey of the Mind competition and dedicated to the art of creative problem solving.

The competition originated in America 20 years ago and has become a world-wide event.

The pupils won the competition with their model of a tower built out of balsa wood using exact dimensions. It was then tested to destruction by being loaded with weights.

And now, the team is eligible to attend the world finals at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida in late May.

But before they can go, they need to raise the £6,000 needed to cover the costs of flights and accommodation for the seven team members and two staff.

A school spokesman said: "To compete in the world finals would be a great thrill for the students and an experience of a lifetime.

They will be the only team from the Leeds area and one of only two teams for the North of England representing the UK, and I am certain they will be excellent ambassadors for their city and their country."

Cheques should be made out to Benton Park School OM Fund. Account number 150 and sent to Benton Park School, Harrogate Road, Rawdon, Leeds. LS19 6LX.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.