Three Swindon schoolboys will compete in an international rocketing competition in Paris after recently winning the UK competition.

John Brice, Ben Wigley and Sanjay Bala of The Ridgeway School won first place in National Youth Rocketry competition held in Buckminster, Leicester on Wednesday, May 17.

Under the team name ‘Ridgeway Rocket Club’, the boys initially participated in a south-west regional competition, held in Chippenham, competing with 23 teams.

They were then selected for nationals where 180 teams competed from different parts of UK but the Swindon boys prevailed.

To meet the competition’s goal, the Ridgeway team designed and built a rocket to lift an egg to 850 feet while also returning it unbroken by parachute in 42 to 45 seconds.

The team used the school's 3D printers and laser cutter, under the supervision of school technician Mr Vincent, to build their rocket.

Test flights were carried out on the school field and Swindon Polo Ground.

They will represent the UK at the Paris Airshow to compete with US, Japan and France on Friday, June 23.

Ridgeway Rocket Club will also get a VIP tour of the Airbus factory in Stevenage.

"This was a really fun and educational experience for the boys. I encourage other schools and youth groups to consider entering teams for 2024," said team mentor Andy Brice.