CHILDREN at Charter Primary School were firing on all cylinders last week as they welcomed a life-size model of the land speed vehicle, the Bloodhound jet car.

Still currently under development, the Bloodhound SSC car is hoping to reach 1,000 miles an hour and set a new world land speed record in the coming years.

The Bloodhound Education team visits schools across the UK helping to inspire the next generation to take up roles within the engineering and science industry.

Rob Bennett, of the Bloodhound Education team, said: “It’s about driving maths and science and employability skills, and about practical application for learning.

“Our purpose is to inspire this generation into those jobs.

“These young people will do jobs that have not been thought of, with technology not invented yet and in ways I can’t imagine.”

All 209 youngsters at the school had the chance to take part in a variety of workshops, including building their own rocket cars, testing their reaction speeds and learning about the Bloodhound car itself.

The Chippenham Borough Lands charity donated £1,500 for the Bloodhound Education team and car to visit the school last Thursday and Friday.

Chippenham Mayor David Powell, who also represented the Borough Lands charity, said: “The excitement in the school has been fantastic.

“The more memorable it is for the children the better.”

“It’s been absolutely amazing and it’s just been so inspirational,” added head teacher Sarah Flack.