Three Swindon schoolboys took won gold at the international finals of a rocketry competition held in Paris.

John Brice, Ben Wigley and Sanjay Bala of Ridgeway School had already taken first place in the National Youth Rocketry competition held in May, qualifying for the finals in France.

After their domestic triumph, Ridgeway Rocket Club then travelled to the International Rocketry Competition at the Paris Airshow on Friday, June 23, taking home the top prize.

Swindon Advertiser: The trio met several famous faces on their path to glory in France.The trio met several famous faces on their path to glory in France. (Image: Andy Brice)

Up against the best teams from the USA, France and Japan, the trio had to launch a raw egg and land it intact as close as possible to the target altitude of 850 feet and flight duration of 42 to 45 seconds.

They designed and built the rocket themselves using the school's 3D printer and laser cutter, with some guidance from the school technician, Mr Vincent.

The team met the French Prime Minister and five astronauts, including NASA’s Charley Duke, who was the 10th ever man on the moon, and Mike Bloomfield.

Swindon Advertiser: John, Ben and Sanjay saw off fierce competition at the International Rocketry Competition.John, Ben and Sanjay saw off fierce competition at the International Rocketry Competition. (Image: Andy Brice)

"I am so proud of what the team have achieved and very grateful to Airbus, ADS and everyone else involved for this amazing opportunity,” said team mentor and sponsor Andy Brice.

“I encourage as many teams as possible to enter the UKROC competition. It is very educational and great fun."