HIGH flyers from schools across East Lancashire took part in an aviation challenge to design and build a prototype aircraft fit for the stars.

Pupils from Blackburn, Burnley, Colne and Oswaldtwistle kitted out their paper planes with plasma screens, massage tables, gourmet kitchens and even football pitches so that they could open airlines for celebrities such as David Beckham.

The hypothetical businesses were set up as part of the Make It Enterprising Schools Challenge, organised by Burnley-based aerospace component manufacturer Aircelle.

The event, held at Burnley Football Club, was the first of five sub-regional heats. The winners will go on to compete in grand regional final later this year.

Bishop Rawstorne Language College, in Croston, scooped first prize, while Burnley's Hameldon Community College's Hameldon Airways came second.

Managing director Dean Overson, 14, said: "We designed our airline especially for celebrities and made the planes as luxurious as possible. We are really looking forward to going on the aircraft simulator, which was our prize for coming second."

Rhyddings High School, in Oswaldtwistle, took third place.

The event was held to encourage pupils to look at careers in the manufacturing industry. and consider the different types of jobs available to them.

Nicola Eagleton, education executive for the Manufacturing Institute, said: "Modern manufacturing is a global enterprise competing on innovation, creativity and clever thinking and these are the talents that have been tested today."