A group of 22 Scouts and Guides from Keighley and South Craven have achieved outstanding marks in an international science competition.

The youngsters were competing in the International Space Olympics in Korolev, near Moscow, on a trip organised by Keighley College's STAR (Science, Technology and Aeronautics Regional) Centre. The three teams of Explorer Scouts and Senior Section Guides, aged from 14 to 18, were the youngest foreign entrants to the competition. They were up against young people from Russia, America, Greece, Germany, and British teams from Leicester and Derby.

The teams prepared for the competition over six months, spending two hours a week at the STAR Centre.

One of the teams won the first round of the competition with its project on how to make Mars habitable.

Two South Craven Explorer Scouts also did exceptionally well. Edward Askew, 17, came eighth overall and first in a physics exam. Sam Hollings, 16, ranked eleventh overall and came joint first in a literature exam.

Rachel Foy, 17, a Keighley Division Senior Section Guide, shared first place with Sam in the literature exam and came 23rd out of 135 participants.

Project manager Mel Edwards said: "They faced world-class competition and their results are an amazing achievement.

"Everybody was really stunned and happy."

The group was taken to Star City, where cosmonauts are trained, and met the cosmonaut who will be Mission Commander on the first manned mission to Mars in 2011.

The trip also gave the youngsters the chance to experience Russian life and culture, with visits to the Kremlin, the IMAX Cinema and even a Russian McDonalds.

Ray Barber, a projects director, said: "This is what the STAR Centre is all about-- encouraging the future generation of scientists and engineers. If this trip influences these young people into a career in science and technology then the centre is achieving its aims."

Keighley College Principal David Gates said: "I am delighted with the success of our students, which reflects on their tremendous commitment and hard work in preparing for the event. We are very proud of their success and the activities linked to our exciting space initiative."

The Scouts and Guides will give a presentation showcasing their experiences at Victoria Hall on December 5.