Budding scientists went head-to-head in a battle to scoop the top spot in a rocket building competition.
Students from North Hampshire took on schools from Berkshire in AWE's annual Water Rocket Challenge.
Teams of 14 and 15-year-olds from five different schools headed to Mary Hare School in Newbury on July 7.
The task was to use a combination of water and air pressure to launch a rocket made from a fizzy drinks bottle into the sky.
Entries were judged on distance, time in the air, design and their crowd pleasing credentials.
The home side scooped the prestigious overall winner title, but there was a strong showing from borough schools.
Hurst Community College in Baughurst took home the gong for longest flight, the Clere School in Burghclere was awarded a prize for best launch mechanism, and the Vyne School in Basingstoke were joint winners for the most crowd pleasing effort.
The competition was run by AWE's school liaison scheme which aims to get youngsters interested in science. Chairwoman Phillippa Kent said the day was a huge success.
She said: “The schools' competitions are a fabulous opportunity for all the pupils who take part and a great way to get young people interested in science, engineering and technology in a fun way.”
Prizes were dished out by AWE’s Gary Butler, who told teams: “Challenges like today are designed to show how science and engineering can be great fun but without using basic science and engineering principles the rockets wouldn't work. I have been really impressed by the enthusiasm and excellent team working and I hope that some of you will consider a career in science and engineering.”
