A TEAM of crafty classmates beat the professionals to land an engineering prize.

Four pupils from Tudhoe Grange Comprehensive School, in Spennymoor, won a competition at South West Durham Training Centre, in Newton Aycliffe.

James Patchett, Michael Turner, Lewis Brown and Kirstie Wilkes programmed a computer to steer a model car around a course and built a metal bridge that stood up to rigorous testing.

The team's bridge was the only bridge not to collapse when attempts were made to smash the structures - including one made by engineering and construction trainees.

Each pupil was presented with an engraved glass trophy and the school received a tool trolley and tools worth £600.