TEENAGERS hope to make a splash by building their own aircraft carrier.

The challenge has been set by defence giant BAE Systems which owns the Glasgow warship yards at Scotstoun and Govan where giant steel blocks are being produced for Britain's new multi-billion pound carrier programme.

HMS Queen Elizabeth is the first of two carriers being built which will be the nation's biggest ever batttleships. Her official naming ceremony takes place next month and to celebrate, school children in and around Glasgow are being invited to build their own cardboard carrier.

The eight schools attempting to emulate the UK's largest engineering programme are Glasgow Gaelic School, Lochend Community High in Easterhouse, Govan High, Notre Dame High, Port Glasgow High, Our Lady and St Patrick's High in Dumbarton, Shawlands Academy and Bearsden Academy.

A BAE spokesman said: "Large sections of the aircraft carrier were built in Glasgow where construction continues on her sister ship, HMS Prince of Wales.

"Pupils will need to use their own skills in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths subjects to construct their aircraft carriers in blocks that resemble those being put together in the real construction.

"Apprentices and graduates will be on hand to provide their support."

The model carriers won't be going to sea but will instead be displayed at city celebrations being organised for shipyard workers on the day of the naming ceremony at Rosyth.