PUPILS from Grateley Primary School will be representing Test Valley in the Hampshire finals of the Solar Car Challenge after winning the district finals at Thruxton Race Circuit.

Children from six primary schools in the area had taken up the challenge to design a car using a body template, solar cell, motor, gearing and wheels.

Grateley's car, Solar Sonic Zoomer, beat King's Somborne primary's Speed Alien in the grand final after the two schools won their heats.

The lucky youngsters from Grateley were then treated to a tour of the circuit in a Ferrari courtesy of BARC chief executive Dennis Carter.

The prize for best body design went to Cupernham Junior School in Romsey, whose Crusty the Cuperham Crustacean car narrowly beat Knights Enham Junior School's Lean Green Mean Machine.

They will also represent Test Valley in the Hampshire finals, being held at Thruxton in June.

The scheme, promoted by Test Valley Borough Council, hopes to raise awareness among schools of renewable energy sources, climate change and pollution.

Scrutineer Steve Hillier, of Test Valley Borough Council's contract services, was very tough on the entrants, and Hurstbourne Tarrant's team had to make some speedy changes in their pit lane after Steve said their car did not comply with the rules.

Louisa Rice, environment and health promotions officer, said: "Despite the overcast weather, all the cars were running at their full potential. Everyone had a great day and learnt a lot."