A TEAM of youngsters have been constructing their own electric race car for a school competition.

South Bromsgrove High School pupils have designed the car especially for the F24 Greenpower racing series, organised by the Greenpower Trust.

The Charford Road-based school's team has custom built its car from scratch for the series, with team members challenged to find their own sponsors, resources and the general support needed to make their designs a reality.

The aim of the project is to inspire a new generation of engineers by teaching mechanics important life skills such as teamwork and problem solving.

The team has ensured this year's car is an improvement on previous seasons by overcoming a series of technical and mechanical problems.

Sponsors secured by the team include Councillor Anthony Blagg from Worcestershire County Council who donated part of his divisional fund to the project, Jason Oakley, Managing Director at USN Europe, and the AA.

The school’s governing body also released funds to support the team.

George Watkins, one of the students working on the project, said: “The opportunity to build our own car, and fight for the lead is really exciting and we are very grateful to the sponsors.

"The money given through the sponsors will be used to develop the car throughout the rest of the season and to fund the ongoing design process for future models."

He added that in previous seasons South's team had competed using a second hand car purchased from an old team, so the generosity of sponsors had allowed them to build their own.

Cllr Blagg said: "I was very proud to sponsor this team as it gives them useful skills for their future lives and will benefit the whole community.

"As the cabinet member for the environment at the county council I am also encouraging the use of electric vehicles and I know the lads from South Bromsgrove High will be great ambassadors for Worcestershire when they race at circuits around the country."