TEENAGERS learned how maths could help land them an RAF career in a series of challenges yesterday.

Pupils at Fyndoune Community College, in Chester-le-Street, were the latest to take part in the activities through the RAF's maths challenge workshops.

Aimed at showing youngsters the practical applications of maths while keeping them entertained, the workshops are part of a wider maths education programme being run by the RAF.

It is hoped that the scheme will improve pupils' grasp of the subject generally and encourage them to use it by joining the service.

Rob Kitson, project manager of the maths challenge workshops, said: "Pupils go through different activities against the clock, and each challenge also has an RAF theme to it, like working out how to load the cargo hold of a plane. They have been very well received by teachers and pupils alike."

Following the challenges, pupils were given information on joining the RAF by the a representative of the armed forces careers service.