STUDENTS have been recognised for their ability to use chemistry to solve industrial problems.

For the third time in four years chemistry students from Darlington’s Queen Elizabeth (QE) Sixth Form College have been named North-East champions of the Schools’ Analyst Competition.

The event, organised by the analytical division of the Royal Society of Chemistry, required students Cameron Grove, Daneille Murdock and Erin Watson to solve chemistry problems relevant to industrial and social needs.

The students were judged on their safety, teamwork, understanding and accuracy.

Janet Mcrae, head of chemistry at QE, said: “Our chemistry students always rise to any challenge they are set and are a credit to the College.

“Cameron, Daneille and Erin are three exceptional scholars who have demonstrated a real aptitude for chemistry and are very worthy winners.”

Miss Watson added: “The competition was difficult and challenging but very enjoyable.

“It was great to use the labs at Teesside University to gain an insight into university life and the professional world of chemists.”

The team will now go on to represent the North-East in the 2013 National Schools’ Analyst Competition at the University of Sunderland, on June 24 and 25.

Tasks which allow students to see their skills used in a real world context are a key priority for the Foundation for Jobs campaign.

Foundation for Jobs is a national award winning initiative involving Darlington Borough Council, The Northern Echo and the Darlington Partnership, of public and private sector organisations.

It aims to address high levels of unemployment amongst 16 to 24 year olds, by identifying the causes at their roots and tackling them through activity specific to a local level.

Research has highlighted that giving children the opportunity to interact with industry while at school can mean they are five times less likely to be unemployed at the age of 25, so the Foundation runs events that either bring businesses into the classroom or take pupils out to industry.

For further information about Foundation for Jobs go to thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/campaigns/foundationforjobs