BOYS from a Bromsgrove school have launched themselves onto the racing circuit with a vehicle boasting a model aircraft engine, brakes from a bicycle and a clutch from a chainsaw.

They may not be able to pip Michael Schumacher at the finish line but the students from Hunters Hill School have just taken on enthusiasts from across the globe in a bid to create the world's most efficient car.

With the help of teachers, the young racing drivers, based in Blackwell, entered the Shell Eco-Marathon, at Rockingham Motor Speedway, in Northamptonshire.

The annual fuel economy competition attracts teams from schools, universities and even semi-professionals, who are all aiming to complete seven laps using the least amount of fuel possible.

Teams, who had travelled from as far as Japan and France, must complete ten miles at a minimum average speed of 15mph and most hope to break the world record, which is a staggering 10,227mpg.

That's almost the same as travelling from London to Melbourne with just one gallon of petrol. All vehicles must have three or four wheels and meet the precise wheel, track base size, braking and steering regulations.

Unleaded petrol, diesel or Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) fuels can be used and each vehicle is scrutinised by the 750 Motor Club before entering the speedway.

Hunters Hill struck lucky when it employed design and technology teacher David Issacson two years ago.

His former pupils in Walsall had entered the eco-challenge and built a vehicle which he brought to the Spirehouse Lane school.

It has a model aircraft engine of 16cc, which is a 4-stroke and has two tiny valves.

The automatic clutch comes from a chainsaw and the rear wheel hub is from a teacher's old mountain bike. The frame is made from steel tubing and the students made a lightweight plastic body.

They have worked on it during one class each week since September and at the Rockingham event on July 11 they came a respectable 24th out 43 competitors.

This was a well-deserved position considering some teams had resources to build their own engines from scratch.

Mr Issacson said: "The project is good therapy for the pupils and they were very pleased with their result."

The team had arrived at the circuit a day early for the drivers' briefing and the vehicle checks.

The five boys then had the chance to eye up rival vehicles in the pits and the practise day went very well with drivers, Tyrone Ward, aged 11, and Matthew Rose, aged 12, both from Birmingham, getting used to the vehicle and the circuit.

When competition day arrived the team from the residential school for children with behavioural problems were raring to go.

Matthew hit the track first and completed his ten miles within the time limit and managed to achieve 530mpg.

Tyrone went out onto the circuit, travelled a short distance and stopped. He got going again and although he lost a lot of time on his first lap the plucky youngster managed to finish with 70 seconds to spare. He achieved 580mpg.

Mr Issacson was delighted with both performances but already his mind is on modifying the go-kart type vehicle for next year's event.

He also wants students to build a second vehicle with a diesel engine.

"The Eco-Marathon is always good fun and the students get a lot out of it, developing their problem solving, practical engineering and teamwork skills."

Mr Issacson has made a plea to anyone who could help pupils at the mixed school further their engineering studies.

"We run a motor vehicle course, part of which is motor cycle maintenance and basic riding skills," he said.

"Please does anyone have a small motorcycle they would like to donate? It would be greatly appreciated by all the students."

To contact the dedicated teacher call 0121 445 1320.