EXPERTS have launched a hovercraft competition in a bid to encourage girls from across the borough to take an interest in science and engineering.

Engineers from Manchester University are behind the unique competition, being staged at Darwen Vale High School, which will delve into the world of the air-cushioned crafts.

Eight-strong teams from across the borough, including Darwen Vale's own representatives, will be pitted against each other at the event, which has been arranged by the university's faculty of engineering and physical science.

School spokesman Tracy Hartley said: "The teams have each got to design and build their own hovercraft, and then race them afterwards."

The crafts must be capable of transporting the eight team members and assistance will be given by a host of mentors about the technical aspects of hovercrafts.

Tracy added: "This is the first time that we have hosted anything like this. It is designed to encourage more girls to become interested in science and engineering."

The Darwen school has already embarked on a number of initiatives to supports its engineering college status over the past year.

Last November, BAE Systems apprentice engineer Rachael Hoyle was a guest speaker at Darwen Vale's prize night for year eight, nine and 10 pupils.

She shared insights into her career at the Samlesbury-based site.

Earlier that month the school was also named the winner of the Ritherdon Enterprising Innovations Challenge for its innovative plans for an eco-friendly recycling centre.

Bosses at the Lorne Street firm were so impressed by the ingenuity of the proposals that they were considering marketing them commercially and invited pupils to witness the production development process first-hand.

The event was the first the school had entered since officially securing engineering college status last autumn.