GIFTED and talented youngsters from schools across Waveney gathered at Bungay Middle School yesterday for an unusual engineering challenge. About 100 youngsters attended a workshop where they built oil platforms using straws, string and sticky tape.

GIFTED and talented youngsters from schools across Waveney gathered at Bungay Middle School yesterday for an unusual engineering challenge.

About 100 youngsters attended a workshop where they built oil platforms using straws, string and sticky tape.

The middle school students worked in teams of three and the platforms had to support a shoebox containing stones and stand half a metre tall.

The workshop was led by Michael Needham, a retired Shell project manager, who tested each platform to asses whether it was structurally sound and could withstand strong winds.

Suzie Phillips, gifted and talented co-ordinator at Bungay Middle School, said: 'The children had a fantastic day. The aim of these events is to give them enrichment opportunities and find ways to extend and challenge them. Through this they are making links with local industry and it is really nice for them to see people who are experts in their field.'