Future science stars have “inspired” their school after being crowned regional champions in a national competition.

Year 9 students at Heathcote School in Normanton Park, Chingford, won £1,500 and tablet computer apiece for their efforts in the Shell Bright Ideas Challenge.

Challenged to think up ideas on urban sustainability the team of boys imagined an underground network of hover cars to impress the judges.

The boys developed a project including design, science, video and marketing and reasoned their ideas with maintenance costs, accessibility and cost-saving materials to reduce waste.

As regional winners they will be one of 12 teams competing in the final during the Make the Future London Festival in July.

The winning ‘The Next Generation’ team consists of Michael Stanway, Vinny McNaught, Tadas Rimkevicius, Muaaz Hafejee and Aaddam Huda.

They added: “The Bright Ideas Challenge was tough but that’s what made it so rewarding.

“The nature of the task allowed us to think of aspects in a citywide basis to solve the already current energy crisis.

“This meant that we had to consider how the modifications would work together to create a functional and efficient city.”

STEM coordinator, Sandra Faria said: “Seeing our students reach the final has not only been hugely exciting for them but it has inspired so many more students at the school.

“Now we can’t wait to see if we’ll be crowned the national champions.”