The Royal Society has been to see a Guisborough school's renewable energy project.

Pupils at Northgate Junior School have been able to compare the benefits of solar and wind generation thanks to the installation of a solar panel and wind turbine at the school.

They have assessed both power sources by working out how many laps two train sets can complete and also used the power to water the school flowerbeds.

The project is part of the Partnership Grant Scheme, set up by the Royal Society, an independent scientific academy, to link schools with scientists and engineers.

Funding came from BP Cats and the Royal Society allowed the school to buy the train sets and an irrigation system.

BP Cats' electrical contractor, Dron and Dickinson Group, donated the solar panel and wind turbine.

The school is the first in the Tees Valley to be visited for this type of project by the Royal Society.

Angela Hull, Northgate Junior School's deputy headteacher, who came up with the initial idea, said: "After coming up with the idea, I asked BP Cats if they wanted to become involved.

"Geoff Broome, an engineer at the Cats Terminal, and Steve Picktall, senior electrical technician, were able to turn my unusual idea into reality."

Mr Broome will be working with the children to develop the project further.