CHILDREN at a Chandler's Ford school went green when they were asked to think up ways of saving energy.

The challenge was laid down at the first meeting of the newly-formed science club at Hiltingbury Junior School.

Pupils must come up with environmentally-friendly ideas to encourage people to conserve the world's natural resources.

They have also been set the task of designing and building a solar powered car.

Youngsters have until next May to come up with a winning design that must beat competition from other Eastleigh schools to make it through to the final.

The final will be held at Thruxton racing circuit, near Andover.

Amelia Gee science co-ordinator at the school said: "There are 16 children who will be involved in designing the car.

"They will have to come up with all the ideas for the car and are responsible for building it. The car has to be a maximum of 20cm long.

"Some of them are quite clever and it's a good challenge for them. It gives them a real chance to have a go at something they are good at."