IT was blast off for Pewsey Vale students as they watched in suspense as their model rocket cars whizzed past them to cross the finish line first, following a visit from the Bloodhound SSC team.

The students were provided with materials and expertise to create and design their own model rocket cars before the cars were attached to a propulsion system that rocketed them across one of the school tennis courts.

The cars were timed and the prize for the fastest car overall from both year groups was for the name of their car to be added on to the fin of the Bloodhound, which is being created by the Bloodhound SSC team based in Bristol.

They are currently in the process of creating a supersonic car that they aim to achieve a target land speed record of 1,000mph with within the next few years.

While building the supersonic car they are using it as an opportunity to inspire future generations of designers, engineers, scientists and mathematics, which is why Year 8 and Year 9 students from the school were involved in the Bloodhounds' educational programme on Tuesday (19).

Tanya Woodley, PA to headteacher Carol Grant, said: "The races were extremely fast and were watched by the students, with many of them chanting the name of their cars as they watched them race.

"The winning team was from the Year 8 group of students and with an amazing time of 0.44 seconds and with the inspirational car name of ‘Watermelon’ Sophie Bushby and Honor Petit were the victorious team. We look forward to seeing their car name on the fin of the Bloodhound in the future."

The whole day was made possible thanks to the organisation of Year 9 student Edward Deadman and also to the sponsorship from Jon Horsley of Cadley Garage.

Ms Woodley added: "Pewsey Vale School is immensely grateful to Mr Horsley for his kind sponsorship and also for his assistance during the day’s event."