THE engineering experts at Benarty Primary School have shown their excellent skills in competition which saw them finish runner-up in the Dundee and Central Fife area.

The eight pupil Benarty team were one of 10 fighting it out in the Lego based competition organised by the Institution of Engineering and Technology in conjunction with Dundee and Angus College.

The College hosted the competition which saw the teams have to research hydro dynamics and complete a series of challenges.

With advice from teacher Jacqui Johnstone the Benarty unit started out on their quest in September when their Lego kit arrived, not fewer than 10 bags, and they created their base.

The team of Dan Kinnaird, Katie Walkingshaw, Abigail Milligan, Eva Brunton, Ryan McLeod, Jaxon Gibson, Harlie Nicol and Jamie Gibson worked enthusiastically each week at preparing their entry.

Said Jacqui Johnstone: "The competition is really about team work and everyone using their own strengths to help the Benarty cause.

"They are a mix of P5s through to P7s and have been really hard workers in getting their challenge prepared and one of their most difficult tasks was programming their robot to undertake tasks on finals day.

"They needed to do a lot of research on the Internet and it all paid dividends at Dundee."

Their research into Hydro Dynamics was helped by Ballingry councillor Mary Lockhart.

Explained Ms Johnstone: "Drainage issues formed part of their project and Mary was able to give the team an on the spot account of problems experienced in Ballingry in 2017 and how these were tackled.

"The children developed a real knowledge of what needed to be done to keep the water cycle moving smoothly and what should not be put down the drain which causes problems.

"And when Mary agreed to go to Dundee to support them they were delighted."

The challenges the children faced at Dundee were Rain, Filter, Wishing Well and Fawcet and they impressed the judges.

They had one or two problems with the robot but managed to overcome these and their team work was judged to be best on the day.

They totalled 80 points and were only pipped for the top award by the Kirkton Kelpies from Largo.

The team loved their challenges and all agreed that the experiences improved their personal confidence and gave them a strong interest in engineering and science.

Added Jacqui Johnstone: "They were very proud to receive their special certificate and medals and are undertaking lunchtime tutorials to give other pupils advice on STEM topics.

"This is only our second shot at this competition and such has been the enthusiasm I think the school will be wanting to take part in it this coming year."