STUDENTS in Burnley are learning in the fast lane - as they prepare to build a fully-functioning electric car.

Wannabe engineers at the University Technical College in the Weavers' Triangle have swapped their textbooks and times tables for a more hands-on approach as they put their skills to the test.

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The year 12 class is preparing for next year's Greenpower Education Trust Test Day at Goodwood Motor Circuit in Chichester, West Sussex.

Their finished car will be scrutinised by judges looking for vehicles which achieve the greatest distance and top speed from just a single charge.

Team leader Chris Jones, who will be overseeing the car's production, said the prospect of such a high-profile event was a huge motivation for his pupils.

He said: "The challenge is something we will be working on every Thursday afternoon during what we call our Thematic period where we attempt to tie together what the students have been learning across all their subjects.

"The students will take what they learn from mathematics, English and science and put it all into making this electric car. We're going to have three apprentices in from Paradigm Precision to offer some guidance and advice as to how we can improve what we're trying to do.

"Lots of schools and other organisations like the police will enter this competition so it's a great opportunity to get noticed."

The UTC, established by Visions Learning Trust, launched its entry into next year's event by welcoming a Ferrari California into their workshop for motivation.

Mr Jones added: "It was nice for everyone to see a car like that up close. The kids are really looking forward to getting stuck into the challenge.

"The UTC prides itself on the vocational approach and hopefully they will learn things like team work and communication from this, as well as the practical skills of turning the chassis into an actual working car.

"Everyone is involved and they will need to consider things like aerodynamics.

"Hopefully the folks from Paradigm are going to be useful and we can make a good fist of it."