A GROUP of budding entrepreneurs from Lochgelly High School have come second in a UK wide competition to find the most innovative solution to a significant social or environmental issue affecting the world today.

‘Exo-Body’-a group of seven S3 students from the school, developed a prosthetic limb which not only improved the quality of life for amputees but also attempted to improve their mental health.

Their idea would see those with an amputated limb to continue to participate in all activities they had enjoyed previously, from driving to wind surfing.

Their idea was this would improve their self-esteem as they were still able to pursue their hobbies, interests and careers.

The boys were very keen to reduce the levels of depression amongst those in population with amputated limbs.

The boys won their school ‘heat’ after attending the Powering Transformation excursion to the University of Dundee. From there they won the regional final for the North East and Scotland allowing them to progress to the national finals.

It was a close-run competition and the LHS team came second at the National Finals, however, the Powering Transformations Trust, who organised the event, gave the school fantastic feedback.

Lee Hepburn, teacher of business education said: “They wanted the school community to know what an asset to the school the young people are for their innovative ideas, resilience and group working skills.”

Depute rector, Wendy Petty added: “The hard work of this cohort has opened the door to many more opportunities from the Trust ranging from internships to mentoring schemes.

“We here at Lochgelly High School are very excited about working with the Trust on future programmes.”

Pictured are the winners of the North East and Scotland’s Regional team title, Exo-Body (from left), Wendy Petty (depute rector), Tai McMullan, Joshua Mitchell, Mason Smith, Jack Brockie, Callum Brown, Logan Page, Ismael Ahidar and Lee Hepburn (teacher of Business Education).