YOUNG scientists from an Inverclyde school marked British Science Week by competing at BP’s Ultimate STEM Challenge in London.

Four youngsters from St Columba’s in Kilmacolm won through to the final by developing ideas for a future flight challenge, where they had to come up with an efficient design generating the most lift for a remote-controlled survey aircraft.

Michael McGeoch, Michael Makin, Quinn Murphy and Lewis Heasley didn’t win, but thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Their physics teacher, Julie Boyle, said: “They’re very good, great fun to supervise and I am really proud of them for doing so well.”

And Inverclyde MP Ronnie Cowan, who visited the final, added: “They presented their project extremely well and received a commendation from the judges for the ‘scientific rigour of their experimental work’.

“I thought their presentation was outstanding. Each student spoke well and managed to explain the physics behind the technology in a clear, concise manner.

"All the St Columba’s students expressed their interest in pursuing a career in aeronautical engineering and, as somebody who travels by plane every week, it’s good to know my safety is in such good hands.”