A SCHOOL'S first engineering students have built five eco-friendly cars.

Twenty-five A-Level pupils from Leigh Technology Academy, Green Street Green Road, Dartford, built the vehicles as part of their engineering studies.

The 16 and 17-year-olds welded aluminium to build the car's frame, and used plywood and glass-reinforced plastic for the bodywork.

Three of the cars, which are powered by 24-volt electric motors, were entered into the Green Power race at Goodwood in west Sussex, and one of them finished first.

Academy director of technology Steve Leahey said: "I am so proud of all of them.

"It is great to see the way they have developed in terms of confidence and business sense.

"They raised £6,000 towards the project by knocking on doors and holding open evenings. It is a great achievement."