Paul McKeever, Bryan Murphy and Piaras Murphy, students at the Abbey Christian Brothers Grammar School in Newry, have won the overall team prize in the junior age group in the Engineering & Technology Category of this year's annual National Science & Engineering Competition presented at The Big Bang in Manchester. These awards celebrate the hard work and achievements of young people across the whole of the UK.

Paul, Bryan and Piaras' project looked at an innovative automatic breaking system for a child's bike. The braking system will control the speed of the bike whilst alerting motorists when the child is slowing down.

Other special awards won at this prestigious event included specially commissioned ‘Crest’ medals and the Young Engineer for Britain ‘Design, Innovation and Presentation Award’. Money won by the pupils for both themselves and their school totalled £1,750-00.

At the awards ceremony, attended by hundreds, Lord Mandelson said: "The winners of the National Science & Engineering Competition are living, breathing proof that science and engineering in the UK is at the heart of a strong and thriving Britain over the coming decades."

The pupils would like to thank Sentinus for giving them the opportunity to represent Northern Ireland in this National Competition. Sentinus Young Innovators is one of the largest events of its kind in the UK the Hyperlink provides a showcase for students to demonstrate the wealth of creativity and innovation which exists in schools and colleges.

Mr Gerald Savage, teacher responsible for the project, travelled with the pupils to Manchester. He said: ‘Congratulations to the three pupils on their hard work and success which demonstrated their determination to see the problem of safety on a bicycle through to a successful conclusion’. He also thanked Mr Sean Higgins for his help and support with the project. Sean also travelled to Manchester with the group.

Mr Mc Govern congratulated the boys on their success and thanked Mr Savage in his mentoring role and Mr Sean Higgins for his support. He said: ‘The Technology Department has once again shown how it prepares our pupils to be leaders both locally and nationally’.