Robots built by a Bourton secondary school could be sending them to Texas.

Pupils in years 10 and 12 at The Cotswold School have been building robots to compete in a variety of challenges.

The school played host to the latest round of the VEX Robotics competition, where both class’s bots impressed.

Sean Kelly, head of design and technology, said, “Our Year 12 team, named ‘TCS Blood and Custard’, were sensational all day and finished top of the qualification rankings against much more experienced teams with enormous budgets.

“In the final, they were beaten by none other than ‘TCS Uprising’, from Year 10, making it a great day for our students.”

He added: “This achievement is quite outstanding, as this is the first year in which students from The Cotswold School have entered the competition.

“The event was brilliantly supported by students from Years 11, 12 and 13, who gave up their Saturday to make the day such a success. We couldn't have done it without them!”

The performance means both classes will now be heading to the national championships in Telford on April 22 and 23, hoping to earn a spot in the finals in Dallas, Texas.

Ten schools took part in the latest round held in Bourton, with former Cotswold School pupil and current W-series racing driver, Alice Powell, among the judging panel.

Ms Powell said: “It was an inspiring day, seeing so many young people focused on teamwork, solving problems and putting the robots they had designed to the test in an exciting arena.

“The thrill of the final competition was electric!”