ENGINEERING student Jessica Shread has had her creations tested by the most ruthless customers of them all - hundreds of children.

Four toys, built by 17-year-old Jessica, were put through their paces at a series of Thomas the Tank Engine-themed days along the Severn Valley Railway this month. PP:21toys.jpg:student Jessica Shread with her repaired crane at Arley Station on the Severn Valley Railway.

The "Learn with Thomas" events saw children from throughout the district get to grips with her efforts, which included a crane and a train.

Each toy had been hand-crafted in wood by Jessica as part of her 3D Design A-level at King Charles I High School.

Jessica, of Chester Road, said: "It was interesting to see how the children used the toys and which designs got the most attention."

The "Learn with Thomas" events saw a variety of educational activities take place at the railway to help bring learning to life for pupils aged three to seven.

SVR marketing manager John Leach said: "The quality of Jessica's work was very good and the children enjoyed playing with what she had created.

"Children have to start somewhere when it comes to basic skills like how shapes move and fit in their environment and this presented schools with an ideal opportunity."

However, Jessica's foray into the world of children's toy-making was not without its casualties.

She said: "They broke the crane. I think it has taught me some important lessons about design!"