STUDENTS from across Craven and West Yorkshire took part in an annual technology competition at Gargrave Village Hall.

The 2024 Rotary Youth Technology Tournament, organised by Rotary Clubs across the district, saw 18 teams of students set the task of building a rocket launcher.

Teams came from Settle College, Skipton Girls High School, Ermysted’s Grammar School, Skipton, Ilkley Grammar School, Ilkley; Prince Henry’s School, Otley and Giggleswick School.

There were six teams in each of the key stage groups, three, four and five - 11 to 18 year olds.

Each team was presented with a box of equipment and a briefing pack on what they were expected to construct during the day long event.

Brian Stott, of Skipton Craven Rotary, said every year, teams entering the event were set a different task.

"This year the requirement was to build a rocket launcher model which would launch a 'spacecraft' three metres straight up. The requirements became more complex for each key stage with for example the 'spacecraft' having to have a parachute for the key stage five (16 to 18 year old) teams."

Judging took place throughout the day, and at the end of the time allowed, each team had to bring their finished model to the launch pad to find out if it would successfully launch.

Mr Stott added: "Although this was of course the vital element it was not the entire deal breaker as many marks were gained and lost in the day long judging."

Certificates and trophies were given out to the first, second and third places in each age group, and there were also prizes for the best written designs for the models in each age group.

The event was run by members of rotary clubs in Skipton, Settle, Ilkley and Otley and sponsors were Advanced Actuators , Wonder of Wood, Stainforth and West Yorkshire Society of Architects.

Results: Best Written Portfolio- KS 3 - Skipton Girls High School; KS 4 -Skipton Girls High School; KS 5 - Settle College Team 1 Overall Winners - KS 3 1- Ermysted’s Grammar School; 2 -Giggleswick School; 3 -Skipton Girls High School.

KS 4 1- Giggleswick School; 2 - Settle College; 3 - Skipton Girls High School.

KS 5 1 -Settle College Team 1; 2 -Giggleswick School; 3 - Ermysted’s Grammar School.