IT'S lights out for Ashton on Mersey school which will soon be on the starting grid for a racing challenge.

The school has been chosen to receive a Siemens bursary which enables it to take part in the national Greenpower School Racing Car Challenge where pupils have the exciting opportunity to design, build and race electric cars.

Executive headteacher Andy Shakos said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our pupils and we are extremely appreciative of Siemens support with this extremely exciting venture.

"Activities like this bring learning to life and inspire young people to have aspirational learning pathways and career goals. This is a great example of how business can work in partnership with schools to change lives.”

The Greenpower Challenge builds upon the exhilaration of motorsport to inspire young people to excel in science, technology, engineering and maths.

Siemens will cover half the costs of the car kit and will provide a £500 grant for tools, helmets, materials and transport. If the school gets through to the finals at Silverstone in October, Siemens will also contribute £500 towards travel and accommodation.

Stuart Peet, STEM co-Ordinator at the school said: “We are delighted to receive the bursary from Siemens in order to take part in the Greenpower racing car challenge and can’t wait to get started. Big projects such as this, really fit into the ethos of our school and as well as learning about engineering techniques in a practical way, our students will also see the tangible link to industry which I hope will motivate and inspire them to achieve great things.”