Schoolchildren battled it out in a robot building competition at Middlesex University.

Year 10 pupils from nine Enfield schools designed their own robots with academics at the university before competing against each other.

Each team had to program the robots to follow a path and earn as many points as possible by putting pucks in different sections.

Middlesex University technical tutor Michael Heeney, said: “This is a great way of making science and engineering exciting to the younger generation.  It’s a rare chance for the students to put the skills they have learned to practise in a fun and creative environment. 

“There was a real competitive spirit in the air throughout the day, which certainly spurred the groups on.” 

Jeremy Yiagan, 15, of St Ignatius College, said: “It was fascinating to work with the programming for robotics. We had to devise the system on a laptop before programming the robot to collect the items and it was great to see how it all worked out.”

The event was part of Enfield Borough Council Mayor’s award for science.

Councillor Ayfer Orhan, cabinet member for schools and children’s services, said: “This competition is stretching the knowledge and ingenuity of our young people. It not only shows how much they have learned but is also an excellent starting point for them to develop further in scientific and engineering fields that are becoming increasingly important to our lives. 

“They have had a lot of fun with a serious purpose and I am delighted that we have been able to continue to partner with Middlesex University as part of the event.”

The schools included Nightingale Academy, Lea Valley High School, Bishop Stopford’s School, Edmonton County School, Broomfield School, St Ignatius School, Winchmore School, The Latymer School and St Anne’s Catholic High School.