PUPILS from Park View School, Chester-le-Street, have won the regional finals of an on-line science quiz.

The youngsters competed against the clock to answer 20 questions in the Science Race 2001 quiz.

The event was organised by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

Other events included a web-building contest and a cyber debate, giving young people the chance to question scientists on subjects ranging from ethics to third generation technology.

Geoff Moore, EPSRC's head of public awareness, said: "It was a close competition requiring scientific skill and organisational flair."

The contest was sponsored by Alcatel, the communications company. It will present telecommunications equipment to Parkside and the other winning schools next month.

Dr Peter Radley, chairman of Alcatel, said: "It's encouraging to see such high numbers of students taking part."