SIX young designers got more than they bargained when they claimed first prize in a regional competition.

The group, from Tanfield School, near Stanley, turned up at Newcastle Airport expecting a ride in a helicopter - and found they were getting a flying lesson.

The team, which won the Students' Innovation Challenge, took the controls of a twin-seat helicopter for the flight of a lifetime. They cruised at 1,000 feet over landmarks such as the Angel of the North, the Millennium Bridge and St. James' Park.

Year 10 student Vicky Glendinning was the most wary of the three girls and three boys but showed great composure on taking control.

She said: "When I noticed that I had control of the helicopter it was an amazing feeling. The helicopter moved at the slightest touch and the view was just fantastic."

The innovation challenge, hosted by Foresight North East, aims to encourage creativity in the classroom. Organisers hoped that the students' bird's eye view of developments along the Tyne, would inspire them to take up design careers.

Schools taking part were asked to come up with designs with an ageing population in mind. Tanfield's winning entry was the development of a smart card system to help combat bogus callers. The pupils worked with Durham Police and smart card design company, Goal Card.

Flight training was provided by Northumbria Helicopters and included a briefing and 20-minute flight. Instructor Allan Bryers took each trainee pilot though the basics before handing over the controls.

He said: "It is exhilarating to see students take the controls and fly the helicopter for the first time. I hope it fills them with confidence and inspires them to achieve things they had never imagined."

Andrew Peak, head of design and technology at Tanfield School, said: "These students will remember this day for the rest of their lives, but Students' Innovation Chellenge has been providing great practical support to the curriculum all year."

Schools interested in taking part in next year's contest, which starts in starts in September, should visit the web site at www.studentinno vationchallenge.com