Under-fire royal Prince Andrew paid a visit to a group of budding engineers at a school in Manor Park.

The Duke of York spent time at Little Ilford School to see some of the work done by the school’s Young Engineers, led by science teacher Famida Noor Mahomed.

He made the surprise visit as questions were raised over his role as a UK trade envoy.

The Prince has been under pressure following revelations about his link with the US billionaire and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

But Prime Minister David Cameron has said he has “every confidence” in him.

During his quick trip to the school on Monday, the Prince was shown six of the projects created by the youngsters, including solar-panelled model cars.

Their club gives students the opportunity to experience engineering in a practical, fun and innovative way, which may inspire them to become engineers and scientists of the future.

It was formed in 2007 but has already won the Gender Equality award, the Best Club of the South East at the Young Engineers Club Awards 2009 and a special Merit award at last year’s Big Bang Fair .

Last month its students built and launched rockets in the palyground in a cross curricular project between maths and science departments.

They are now preparing for the Big Bang Fair this weekend, where they will be show casing their projects at London’s Excel international exhibition and convention centre.

Student Maisha Matin, 13, said: “Meeting a member of the Royal family today was a once in a lifetime opportunity and makes me more motivated to succeed, especially as an Asian female. I hope to inspire and encourage others like me to get involved and think big.”