Around 400 school children from around Cornwall pitched their skills in designing and programming their own robots at RNAS Culdrose.

Organised by Cornwall Council and the Royal Navy, it was the regional finals of the First Lego League – a national programme to encourage children in science, technology, engineering and maths.

There were 38 teams of pupils from primary and secondary schools who took part in the event held over two days. 

They each had to design, build and control their robots to perform a series of challenges which involved operating different Lego mechanisms.

Taking the most overall points on both days were two teams from Penpol Primary School in Hayle while the team from Truro High School For Girls was the runner-up. All three will now go on to compete in the competition’s national finals.

Lieutenant Commander Helen Forster, an engineering officer at RNAS Culdrose, said: “We’ve had a fantastic couple of days. It’s been really good to engage with all these schools and communities across Cornwall and also to inspire the next generation into science, technology, engineering and maths. It shows the children that there are opportunities for them in these areas both in Cornwall and further afield.

Some of the successful teams are the Lego League (PICTURES: Royal Navy/POPhot A’Barrow)
Some of the successful teams are the Lego League (PICTURES: Royal Navy/POPhot A’Barrow)

“It was also an opportunity to open our doors and show them what we do. For instance, some of the children were amazed that we had aircraft here – and I said that the navy is not just about ships.

“I’d like to thank all the schools and their teachers for their support and the team from Cornwall Council led by STEM coordinator Janine Bisson. 

“I’d also like to thank our many industry partners who have kindly sponsored this event.”

There were also activities for the children, a science show and displays by some of the air station’s departments include the fire station, survival equipment section and drone experts 700X Naval Air Squadron.

Companies which sponsored the event included Celtic Sea Power, Bluefloat, Falck, Seiche, Hexigon, Morwind, Lockhead Martin, ESS and HeliOps, while the following gave their time Digital for ALL, Rowe IT, Spaceport Cornwall, Serco, Cornwall Council Libraries and Cornwall Council Education Business Partnership.