While some children learn about maths and sciences from a textbook, one group of young inventors got hands-on experience at a competition.

Year 6 pupils from schools across Enfield, Barnet and Harrow took part in the Young Scientists competition at Middlesex University, in The Burroughs, Hendon.

The event formed part of British Science Week, a ten-day celebration of British science, technology, engineering and maths.

Throughout the day, 52 budding young scientists from 26 schools participated in a series of fun, engaging and educational activities based on product design engineering, computer science, biology and sports science.

Parents were also able to take part in interactive science based demonstrations led by academic staff and students at the university.

The ten and 11-year-olds were encouraged to design posters before the event, based on inventions they would most like to be see made.

They were also given a glimpse behind the scenes on a campus tour with a scientific twist, exploring the facilities on offer, and picking up clues to answer science-related questions.

Some of the designs included the Mo-Mouth Kleaner, an electronic mouth guard to clean your teeth, and The Portable Baby Scanner, a touch screen laser scanner that can be carried anywhere to check on a baby’s progress.

The winner was Yusuf Mirza, from Brentfield Primary School, in Neasden, who designed a ‘Fluminox’ – a fire extinguishing robot.

Middlesex University education liaison and outreach manager, Elita Eliades-Ahmed said: “STEM plays such a large part in our lives, and it was really interesting to see how students reacted when they realised how so much of what they use every day couldn’t have been invented without science, technology, engineering and maths.

“The students really used their imagination to come up with some fascinating and captivating inventions, which we would love to see made.

“We hope hosting events such as this, places STEM at the forefront of children’s minds, and inspires today’s inventors of the future.”