More than 150 students from schools across the region competed in an annual Rotary Club-run technology tournament.

The event, which focuses on science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) design, was once again held at the 1st Close Support Battalion REME, Catterick Garrison.

It was organised by the Rotary Club of Northallerton with the help of Thirsk, Wensleydale, Northallerton Mowbray, and Richmond Rotary Clubs.

Students were challenged to construct a structure capable of launching a projectile up to three metres high, to then safely parachute back to a designated landing area. The competition, divided into foundation, intermediate, and advanced levels, featured teams from Northallerton School and Sixth Form College, Thirsk School and Sixth Form, Cundall Manor School, Hurworth School, St Francis Xavier School, Risedale School, St Aidan’s C of E Academy and Barnard Castle School.

Darlington and Stockton Times: A team from Barnard Castle school took top spot in the foundation level

In the foundation category, the Barnard Castle team came first, followed by Thirsk School (team two), with a tie between Hurworth School and St Aidan’s C of E Academy (team two) for third place. St Francis Xavier (team two) secured first place in the intermediate category, with Barnard Castle coming second and a joint effort from Cundall Manor (team two) and Wensleydale (team one) claiming third place.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Winners in the intermediate category of the annual technology contest

In the advanced category, Northallerton School (team two) emerged victorious, with Barnard Castle School (team two) and Northallerton School (team one) in second and third places.

Lt Colonel Mike Smith and his staff were praised for their continued support of the event, which was sponsored this year by the West Yorkshire Society of Architects. Alan Bush, of Northallerton Rotary Club, was presented with a significant service award in recognition of his contribution to the tournament over the past 15 years. Alan, who served as the tournament quartermaster, was praised for his passion and commitment to the community.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Alan Bush, second from left, with his significant service award

Northallerton Rotary Club president Emma Biggs said “We will be contacting schools after the summer break with information about next year’s competition. With the promise of even more innovation and collaboration, another successful event is eagerly anticipated, feeding the passion for STEM education and inspiring future generations of inventors and engineers.”