CHIPPENHAM'S Abbeyfield School was just edged out into second place in the International Rocketry Competition that featured astronaut Major Tim Peake.

As part of the Farnborough International Airshow last week, a team of Year 7 and 8 pupils came second against schools from the USA, France and Japan in the final, with Major Peake presenting awards at the airshow.

Competitors were required to design and build a rocket capable of taking of to a target altitude of 850ft with two raw eggs on board, landing them intact.

John Pickering, Cross Phase Leader of STEM at Abbeyfield School said: “We are gutted not to win but delighted to have taken part and receive our second place prize from inspirational figure Major Tim Peake.”

The event was part of Futures Day which is one of the largest engagement opportunities for young people to learn how their studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths can lead to an exciting career.

Major Peake gave and talk and then took questions for nearly an hour from more than 100 assembled children in the show’s Space Zone.

Speaking about the competition, Major Tim said: “I may have been launched into space in a rocket but the guys here would know more about that process than me.”

More than 185 students and 34 teams from across the UK took part in preliminary rounds.

Paul Everitt, CEO of Aerospace and Space trade association ADS said: “It was a great honour to have Major Tim Peake officially open Futures Day at the Farnborough Airshow.

"I was delighted he could present the awards at the Rocketry Final and congratulate the team from Abbeyfield School on their achievement."