YOUNG model makers are flying high after scoring a double success in a national contest.

Teams from St Leonard's RC School, in Durham, and St Joseph's RC School, in Stanley, took part in the BAE Systems Model Aircraft Challenge at RAF Cosford, near Wolverhampton, Shropshire.

The national contest involved youngsters building and flying a plane from a Dart kit, designing, building and flying a helicopter-style device; and building and flying a model based on historic British planes. The teams flew their models to see which could manage the longest overall flying time.

Despite the record number of almost 50 schools and Scout groups entering, the County Durham schools emerged as winners of both junior and senior sections.

Supply teacher Stuart Shorthouse, who has entered school groups in the competition for the past five years, said: "St Leonard's came third in 2000 and second in 2001, so it was expected of them to do well, but to win as they did with a record score was exceptional.

"Even more incredible was the performance of St Joseph's RC School, from Stanley, in the junior event, none of whom had even touched a model aircraft six months ago."

St Joseph's triumph came after it was awarded £1,500 from the Innovation Fund towards competition costs.