It’s never too early to start designing your first car — just ask the primary school pupils who recently showcased their own special prototypes at Glasgow City Chambers.

Young wannabe designers from 80 schools and nurseries across the city took part in a competition hosted by Primary Engineer, giving them hands-on experience of building a moving vehicle.

On the day, pupils were tasked with operating their cars in straight lines and over ramps and gradients in all different directions.

One of the schools taking part was Eastbank Primary from Baillieston where four Primary 2 pupils scooped participation and best communicator certificates for their talented efforts.

The competition was perfect for the school which, like many across Glasgow, have a dedicated policy in promoting STEM (science, technology engineering and mathematics) subjects from an early age.

Eastbank Primary teacher Natalie Milligan attended the event alongside her pupils, leading on from after-school classes which gave them time and space to shape their designs.

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Sharing what the participation and achievement means to her youngsters, Natalie says: “The children really enjoyed seeing what they planned turn into a real model and not just on paper.

“The opportunity was great as it really made the children feel proud of what they had achieved. I was also really proud of they explained to the judges how they created their model cars.”

Six-year-olds John and Adam, who won a Best Communicators prize by explaining so well the process of making their models, were delighted to show classmates their certificates on their return to school.

Adam says: “I liked getting to make my model and putting it together... then coming to show it at the competition.”

Classmate Deborah, 6, adds: “I had good fun and I like what me and my partner created.”

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Engineering student, Fraser Steedman, 21, had responsibility of choosing the best designs from the competition’s various categories.

More than happy to help play a part in discovering budding young talent, he says: “All the pupils produced really unique and creative designs for their cars. As part of the judging, we chatted with them about how they chose their design and what they learned about engineering.

“When speaking to John and Adam, Adam instantly engaged with us and started talking about the car they had designed, which was Pikachu from the game Pokémon. John was nervous, but Adam encouraged him to speak to us and John was then able to work with Adam to answer our questions.”

Fraser adds: "They were both excited about the work they had done and could clearly explain the steps they took to make their vehicle, which was why they were awarded the communication award.”

Organised by Primary Engineer, the not-for-profit firm provided design materials for all youngsters involved to work with in building their cars ahead of the event.

Playing a big role in developing STEM skills across Scottish education from primary to further education level, the company has received funding support from Glasgow-based vehicle manufacturer and repair firm, Allied Vehicles Group.

Dr. Susan Scurlock, MBE, chief executive and founder of Primary Engineer, says: “Our vision to provide high quality engineering education at an early stage in schools requires partnerships which help to build the knowledge and aspirations of children towards careers in engineering.”

Sharing that encouragement of engineering skills with connection to Glasgow’s future prosperity, Allied Vehicles chairman, Gerry Facenna, says: “That’s why we’ve been long-term supporters of Primary Engineer.”

“We want to encourage enthusiasm and creativity around engineering from an early age so youngsters are excited by a career in engineering and the ways in which their skills can have a really positive impact on people and society generally.”