YOUNG engineers from King’s School Worcester with an eye for design have been crowned the national champions of a prestigious competition.

Year 10 pupils Daniel Austin, James Green, Nathan Moss and James Simpson triumphed in the final round of the National 4x4 InSchools Technology Challenge.

Launched to give young people an insight into what it takes to become an engineer, the scheme aims to stimulate interest and enthusiasm in science, technology, engineering and maths through hands-on experience.

The petrolhead pupils formed Team Xcel 4 in 2012 and took up the challenge to design and build a radio controlled four-wheel-drive vehicle.

By winning their area final at JCB’s headquarters in Rocester, Staffordshire, Xcel 4 secured their place in the national final at the Big Bang Fair at London’s ExCel Centre.

The final saw 16 teams battling for the top prize and involved several different driving challenges, including a timed circuit while negotiating cones, obstacles and a water splash, as well as a trailer course with a steep aluminium hill climb.

The team’s technical expertise was also tested in the pit display and pit stand. Eric Lummas, design and technology teacher at King’s School, said: “The judges were very impressed with the team’s technical understanding of how the parts worked and that they could explain in detail how they made them.

“The restyled body wowed the judges with its professional finish and light sensitive front and rear lights and resulted in Xcel 4 also winning the prize for Best Engineered Vehicle.

“It is a great achievement to have won the national final. The team’s success is a testament to their hard work and commitment in developing a first-class vehicle.”

Xcel 4 receive a £1,000 sponsorship grant to Harper Adams University along with a factory visit to a Land Rover plant as well as a Land Rover experience day.