A TOP trio have proved they're 'on the ball' after reaching the final of prestigious national competition with a top secret innovation.

A team of third year pupils from St Columba's High in Gourock have been selected for TeenTech Awards Final at the Institute of Engineering and Technology in London later this month.

Mannix Elliott, 15, and Jamie Gilmour and Nathan Harkins, both 14, have invented a product that allows people to personalise footballs - but the finer details of their idea have to be kept under wraps.

Christina Owen, design and technology teacher, said: "They presented the project to the class, then took part in a Dragon Den's event and submitted an innovation log to the team in London.

"From there they were selected for the finals.

"We're so proud of them and all the work they've put in so far and since the presentation process.

"They are working on the project every day at lunchtime and after school.

"They are up against another two teams in their category and they know how much work is expected.

"They have committed themselves to the project 100 per cent."

The young inventors will get the chance to bag a top prize of £1,000 for their school and if successful they will be presented with their awards by HRH Duke of York at Buckingham Palace.

This is the second year in a row the school has reached the finals of the competition, aimed at encouraging young people to think creatively.

Christina said: "The girls who got through last year have become TeenTech young ambassadors.

"It's good for the younger years, the boys have seen the girls go through last year, so they getting help from them.

"Pupils coming into third year will now see the success of their achievement and it will give them someone to looking up to."

The boys are gearing up for the finals on June 24.

Mannix said: "I'm quite excited, I didn't think we would win.

"I think we got through because we presented the project well."

Team-mate Nathan added: "The judges were very pleased with the presentation.

"Each judge scored us out of 10 and we got good scores from all of them."

Jamie is looking forward to the trip, saying: "It will be a great experience.

"It's a good feeling to know that we've got through to the final."

* The boys are appealing for local companies to help to sponsor their trip to London and if anyone can help, they should contact Christina at the school on 715250.