YOUNGSTERS from Dunfermline revved up their skills to create – and race – cars of the future.

A total of 22 teams from the city's four high schools took part in the Ballard Motive Solitions' (BMS) Scottish Schools Hydrogen Challenge.

The event was a first in Fife as it only involves youngsters from Scotland's cities.

The students were engaged in a hands-on “design, build, race, repeat” team exercise where they were tasked with creating the most energy-efficient hydrogen fuel cell vehicle using LEGO components and miniature – yet fully functional – hydrogen technology.

The event at the Carnegie Conference Centre followed a series of workshops which were organised across the schools and delivered by representatives from Aerospace Kinross and the STEM Officers from Fife College.

Gillian Eaves, from Fife Council, was impressed by the efforts on the day.

"Each team was given an identical pack," she explained. "They built the cars and when they were ready to test them, they went and got their fuel cell loaded up with the hydrogen and roughly teams were given three attempts. The ultimate aim was getting the greatest distance from the fuel.

"The winning distance was 40 metres."

Cara Hilton, the council's spokesperson for education, spoke to participants on the day.

She said: "This informative, inspiring and highly engaging competition has enriched the STEM learning experiences of our young people in Dunfermline, deepening understanding of renewable energy and the role hydrogen can plan in a low-carbon economy, developing key STEM employability skills and building links to positive sustainable STEM care."

The top three teams, the winners from Queen Anne High and the two runners up, who were both from St Columba's High, will now take part in the Scottish final in Aberdeen on Monday.