Youngsters from Keighley and South Craven are leading the way for Britain in a project in Russia exploring everything galactic.

The two teams of Young Leader Guides and Explorer Scouts have been placed the highest of any groups from the UK at the 12th International Space Olympics, in Korolev, near Moscow.

It is the first time Keighley College has entered the competition.

The 21 youngsters, who flew out on Wednesday last week, were armed with three projects from the college to demonstrate their space knowledge.

All aged between 14 and 18, they are members of the Constructive Partnership Project at Keighley College, funded through Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency for Yorkshire and Humberside.

Carol Vaughan (pictured), of Keighley College special curriculum project team, said they had been working on the projects, which related to space debris, sustainable technology and a space inflatable, for six months. She said: "The first round required the teams to make a formal presentation on a space theme. All proved popular with the judges, leading Russian scientists.

"One team was placed 11th, the highest position of any non Russian team and received the highest mark of any non Russian team in the 12 years of the competition. The second team was placed at 14th with other teams from Britain being placed 15th, 18th and 19th."

The next round would see them facing examinations in mathematics, physics and information technology over a three-day period.

She added:"This is a terrific achievement by the teams and a testament to the adults who have helped prepare them.

"To take part is a fantastic experience in itself, but to be leading the way for Britain at the half way stage is just great."

Before returning tomorrow, they have been visiting Mission Control and meeting Russian cosmonauts, having already experienced Russian life and culture, visiting schools, the ballet, the circus and the Kremlin.

The college is aiming to encourage more youngsters to consider space study and careers in science, technology and engineering.

Staff aim to develop a space, technology and aeronautical research centre, including a planetarium and mission control, when the college moves to a new £23 million campus, in Dalton Lane, near Keighley Railway Station.