Four budding engineers explained the finer points of their projects to Prince Andrew when they travelled to Birmingham for the Big Bang Fair.

The students from Little Ilford School represented the Little Ilford Engineering Club at the Big Bang Fair 2014 held at the NEC Birmingham.

Famida Noor Mahomed, Engineering Club Leader entered the club in a competition winning one of six places at the fair to showcase their projects. Zubyr Ahmad, 13, Rozlind Chapman, 13, Shaiyini Ravindran, 14 and Shakif Uddin, 14, travelled to Birmingham to display their skills.

Zubyr Ahmad, team leader, said: “It was a once in a lifetime opportunity for us to compete against students from across the country. We showcased three projects that we have completed at Engineering Club which we attend every Saturday.”

Shaiyini Ravindran, who followed in her sister’s footsteps by joining the club, said: “Every moment in the Big Bang Fair gave us something new to learn and share with other club members.

Rozlind Chapman, said: “We had the privilege to meet HRH Prince Andrew, which we will always cherish.”

Shakif Uddin said: “The Big Bang Fair has been an amazing experience. I was a little nervous at the start of the judging but found it easy to talk about my passion…..engineering!”

The students had to present to the judges, companies and the public alike. They impressed the judges and won the Special Club Ethos Award of £250. They want to raise a further £800 to replace their club house which is a garden shed at the back of the school car park.

Famida said: “I am extremely proud and impressed with the way these young people have flourished. They were articulate and clear in explaining the project that they have been working on. HRH Prince Andrew had met some of the club members in 2011 when he visited the school and was very impressed by their commitment and dedication. We are now preparing for our Greenpower racing season and looking for funding to build a new race car, if anyone is interested in helping us, please contact the school.”