SCHOOLS from across Hampshire made a splash at the third annual Maritime Challenge organised by Southampton City College.

Youngsters put their skills at boat building to the test by making a canoe in just five weeks for the competition at the Maritime Technology Centre in Woolston.

The students had been given a manual and the materials needed to build the canoes and were then pitted against each other in two different classes of single-crewed and double crewed.

The students then raced their canoes across the river Itchen.

Prizes and a speech were given by Olympic gold medallist Ed Coode with the singles category won by Itchen College and the double-crewed canoe title won by Chichester High School for Boys.

Horndean School scooped the best-looking boat.

The event is designed to introduce more young people to the water and teach basic skills in boat building, maintenance and safety.

Eight schools took part including Chamberlayne Park School, St Mary's College, Regents Park Community College and Itchen College, all in Southampton. Fairbridge Youth & Community Group also took part.

Ed Coode, a member of the victorious coxless four rowing team in Athens Olympics 2004, said: "The event was great fun.

"It was wonderful to see young people getting involved in competitive water sports. I was really impressed by the standard of boat building and the commitment on the day of the participants.

Well done everyone!"