YOUNGSTERS who helped build their own car are now racing it - Formula 1 style.

A team of six pupils has been meeting at Chipping Sodbury School every week since last March to produce the electric car that would make even Nigel Mansell proud.

The project, which has been co-ordinated by the Dads in Yate scheme, has involved the youngsters and their fathers, as well as engineering company Alderley.

The Wickwar firm donated money for the car to be built and engineers have lent their expertise to the cause.

Programme engineer James Blackman said: "The kids have been having loads of fun and they have had to work out how to put parts together.

"We made it to the regional finals, racing against similar cars, and everyone picked up lots of ideas about what modifications we could make."

He said the project had spiralled as a further three cars are now in production, one being made completely from scratch.

Chipping Sodbury Rotary Club has sponsored another car and the two teams - Alderley Flyers and Rotary Rollers - are now competing against one another.

Tutor and Chipping Sodbury School design and technology teacher Brendan McMorrow said: "We wanted to develop links with the community and get parents involved with their child's learning. We are hoping to use the project as a means for parents to transfer their skills to their children.

"The kids have been involved with all aspects of the design and development of the car and it has been a complete community project and a tremendous success."

Alderley chairman Tony Shepherd said: "This is a classic example of a job being done from start to finish and gives a clear idea to children of what is involved in engineering.

"I hope that this project shows the children what kind of exciting and interesting jobs we have to offer."

The car will be on show at Alderley's offices for the next week after the team presented Mr Shepherd with a plaque, thanking him for the support of the firm, on Wednesday.