BUDDING engineers from a Denbighshire school have built themselves a reputation for success.

Team Egni, a group of year nine pupils from Ysgol Glan Clwyd, were awarded second place in the UK for project innovation and overall Wales winners award at the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) FIRST LEGO League final in Bristol on February 22.

The science and technology competition challenges nine to 16-year-olds to build a robot to solve a real-world problem.

This year the theme was City Shaper, architecture and living spaces, and the St Asaph pupils carried out research and design of a lithium battery that could be used to reduce carbon emissions on construction sites.

The winning team featured Jake Chow, Harriet Knapp, Gwion Williams and Gwen Emmett, all aged 13.

They now have the chance to represent Wales in the international finals in Detroit, however they must first raise £5,000 to fund their travel and the next stage of their project.

Sion Jones, Ysgol Glan Clwyd teacher and Team Egni coach, said: "There is a reason we keep coming back year on year and it’s simply down to this being the biggest and best STEM competition in the world.

"The experiences and skills pupils gain from competing simply can’t be replicated at any other competition of its kind."

Lowri Walton, IET education manager, added: "As well as bringing excitement to STEM subjects, the students get hands-on experience with robotics, and designing innovative solutions to real world problems."

To donate to Team Egni, visit their Crowdfunding page.