STUDENTS used special Lego kits to build, program and control robots and complete a series of short missions at a robotics challenge event.

The session was a regional heat of the Tomorrow’s Engineers EEP Robotics Challenge, and was hosted by engineering firm Renishaw at its headquarters in Wotton under Edge.

The challenge is a curriculum-linked, year-long programme for students aged 11 to 14, aimed at inspiring students to consider a career in engineering.

Run by EngineeringUK, it immerses young people in real-world engineering, technology and computing challenges and gives them the opportunity to demonstrate their skills at engineering facilities around the country.

During the event at Renishaw, students built their robot to complete a test of speed and agility as well as completing humanitarian aid challenges.

They then completed a teamwork challenge, where they created an RGB torch production line to build ten or more high-quality working torches.

Each student performed a different role in the team, including team leader, assembler and quality manager.

The two winners of the heat, The Castle School, Thornbury and Torquay Academy, will go on to compete in the national final at the Big Bang Fair on March 15 at Birmingham NEC.