Budding young scientists compete

School pupils take part in last year's contest

More than 100 budding young scientists start a two-month competition project on Saturday to build robots.

The Third Cambridge Tournament is designed to stimulate 9-16 year olds' curiosity about science and technology.

Students from schools in Cambs, Suffolk and Norfolk will focus on ways of protecting the oceans under this year's theme of Ocean Odyssey.

Participant teams work for eight-weeks to design, build and programme robots to carry out specific tasks.

Transitions, a consultancy, established the Cambridge Tournament three years ago in order to create an exciting opportunity for local children to engage with science and technology.

Excited about science

Last year, the event attracted 100 students from schools across the East Anglian region.

The Eye Robots team from Amberfield school in Ipswich went on to win the national championships and then participate in the world finals in Atlanta USA.

Simon Pratten, managing director of sponsor Transitions, said: "The Cambridge Tournament creates a powerful platform for local businesses and schools to interact effectively.

"It is very rewarding to see the children who participate getting so much out of the experience and it is satisfying also to know we are encouraging them to become excited about science and technology."