A science challenge in its third year is open for schools across the country to enter.

The Bright Ideas Challenge, held by Shell, has opened for the third year to schools with pupils aged 11-14 to use their science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills to develop solutions to power future cities.

Last year's winners, from Queen Elizabeth's School in Queens Road, Barnet, won £4,000 for their idea to convert food waste to electricity using bacteria generators, and came first place in London and second place overall.

Teacher Shane Ryan said: "The experience of taking part in the competition was brilliant for us. Students really thrived when they were asked to solve some of the big challenges we're facing as a society.

"They put their STEM skills to work and the videos and materials helped us to hold creative brainstorming sessions and learn about future cities.

"The prize money has been a real boost to the school, we have spent the money on high spec laptops for CAD use and updated the school's science equipment."

The competition has £45,000 of educational prizes available for winning schools, rewarding the 14 wining teams with STEM prizes.

To enter,

Entries are open from today (October 12) until April 27, 2018, and this year, school entering before January 19 will be entered into an early bird prize draw.

Visit www.shell.co.uk/brightideaschallenge for further information.