MORE than 100 pupils from six Chester-le-Street primary schools competed in a competition to create a solar powered car.

The Solar Car Challenge at the Riverside Sports Complex last Thursday had two categories: the fastest car in a flat race over 20m and the best designed car still capable of moving.

Each car was paraded in a design pageant with a panel of independent judges from the Environment Agency, The Energy Savings Trust and npower.

Red Rose Primary School in Chester-le-Street won the fastest car category, covering 20m in 18 seconds.

St Bede's RC Primary School in Sacriston won the best design section with its car inspired by the Angel of the North.

Both schools will represent the district in the regional final organised by The North-East Sustainable Energy Centre in conjunction with npower and Nissan, on July 7, at Nissan's plant in Sunderland.