A group of Wirral school children have been selected to compete at the UK finals of a science and engineering competition after their exciting project caught the eye of judges.

Year 9 pupils from St John Plessington Catholic College will take part in The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Competition at Birmingham’s NEC in March.

The team, comprising of students Luke Chadwick, Cameron Pierce, Ben Weedall, Daniel Larway and Aaron Larway has been announced as one of the winners of the Big Bang North West regional heats.

Dr Hilary Leevers, Chief Executive, EngineeringUK said: “The team from St John Plessington Catholic College really impressed the judges with their project and we’re excited to see how they do at the UK finals.

“It is a huge achievement to progress to this stage of the competition and they should be incredibly proud to take up their place and compete at The Big Bang Fair in March 2020.”

The team’s project is called ‘Can axolotl slime fight disease?’ and as part of the project, the students have conducted experiments on their own axolotls (a Mexican walking fish) to see if their slime really can become a health benefit.

The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition aims to recognise and reward young people's achievements in all areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) and provide them with the opportunity to build their skills and confidence in project-based work.

It is open to 11-18 year olds from across the UK who have completed a project or activity in any field of science, technology, engineering or maths.

Winners will be announced at an award ceremony on March 12.