STUDENTS at Haydock High have won the fifth heat of a region wide competition which saw them build and battle robots in an arena.

On Tuesday, February 12, schools from St Helens gathered at St Helens College to take part in the LCR Make It Work Robotics Challenge.

The aim of the event was to have fun but also inspire students to look at futures in science, technology and mathematics.

Students had the opportunity to build a VEX robot and battle it out in an exciting arena competition, after being talked through a series of workshops showcasing careers linked to manufacturing and engineering.

The region's schools battled it out but after a nail-biting face-off between Rainford High and Haydock, it was Haydock High School who took the win.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “It is brilliant to see so many young people enjoying the Make It Work Robotics Challenge.

"Sparking young people’s interest and enthusiasm is a vital part of getting more of them into studying Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects and subsequently into exciting and rewarding careers.

"That is exactly what this competition does and why we are proud to support it.”

CAL International CEO, whose staff mentored groups on the day, Cliff Kirby, added: “Competitions such as this really do bring out some incredible ideas and innovation.

"It is brilliant to see how engineering ideas evolve in the minds of young people when faced with a series of problems to solve. This competition showcases the next generation of engineering talent.”

Michelle Dow, managing director of All About STEM said: “It is essential for our region’s future prosperity that young people have the skills they need and are enthused and excited to pursue them.

"We offer ‘in-person’ inspiration from real experts while learning real-life skills.

"Our events provide an interactive, exciting experience that can ignite our young people’s passion and spark their interest in STEM careers and it’s so much fun.

"Our students are excited, focused and engaged, we’re so proud of them. They are all winners to us.

"Thank you to CAL International for their heat sponsorship and fantastic assistance today and to the Metro Mayor and Combined Authority for their amazing support.”

Haydock High School will return later in 2019 to compete in the LCR Make It Work Robotics Challenge Grand Final at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool.