Teacher's pet project

The Austin Seven was built in 1929

Pupils at a school in Cornwall are having homework with a difference by helping their headmaster rebuild his 72-year-old Austin Seven car.

Richard White, headmaster of Polwhele House independent school in Truro, bought the classic vehicle for £30 in 1968 when he was studying history at Cambridge University.

It had been unused since 1981 and he decided the time to restore the 1929 vehicle was right.

He formed the Austin Seven Club and now 10 youngsters, aged between 11 and 13, have swapped set-squares for spanners to get the car, named Constance, on the road again.

Richard White bought the car for £30 in 1968

Working in groups, they have been tackling the chassis, including the engine, cable brakes and axle.

Mr White said: "It is a great project for the children because everything about the car is simple and easy to understand - and they have been very enthusiastic about it.

"But you feel as though you should carry an anchor in case the brakes do not do their stuff," he added.

The next stage of the project is restoring the aluminium body, some of which has to be carried out by specialists.

It is hoped the car will be finished in the spring.

Mr White hopes when Constance is back on the road he will be able to drive her from Land's End to John O' Groats to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the school.