A record number of teams from North Yorkshire and County Durham schools competed in a successful Rotary Technology Tournament.
A total of 162 students from 11 schools in places including Northallerton, York, Darlington, Thirsk, Richmond, Leyburn, Catterick and Ferryhill took part in the tough annual challenge of engineering initiative at Catterick Garrison.
With no prior knowledge of the task ahead of them, they split into teams of four with wood, drills, glue and batteries to build small electric cars capable of negotiating a narrow pipeline runway.
A narrow timeframe was provided for completion and the cars then had to be tested in front of a team of judges from local Rotary clubs.
Winners in the Foundation category were Richmond School, with St Francis Xavier School, of Richmond, second and Risedale School, from Hipswell, third.
Winners and runners-up in the Intermediate section were Cundall Manor School, with Northallerton School & Sixth Form College in third place.
Winners and runners-up in the Advanced section were Northallerton School & Sixth Form College, with Breckenbrough School in third place.
The tournament was organised by Anne Ash, of Northallerton Mowbray Rotary Club, with support from colleagues at the Northallerton, Thirsk, Richmond and Wensleydale Rotary clubs. Facilities were kindly provided by 1st Close Support Battalion REME.
“It was fantastic to see schools and colleges from throughout our region working together in their teams to crack a very tough and complex challenge,” said Mrs Ash.
“The students showed fantastic teamwork and inventiveness and feedback from teachers has been very positive. This was my first year of organising the event and I couldn’t have done it without the incredible support from my fellow Rotarians.
“I’d also like to thank everyone at 1st Close Support Battalion REME for making us so welcome.”
Schools and colleges who’d like to take part in this fast-growing event in 2026 are asked to contact her at rotariananneash@gmail.com
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