PRIMARY school pupils have designed and raced their own salt water powered cars.

The year five pupils from Upperwood Academy Darfield raced their vehicles over three race tracks.

The exercise was part of a U Can Shine enterprise day to raise money for school and for Macmillan Cancer Support and has so far managed to generate more than £1,000.

Families, parents, teachers and fellow pupils attended the day to cheer the racers along.

U Can Shine was a project founded by Shaun Weatherhead, a former professional footballer, that focuses on raising children’s aspirations, transforming attitudes and building confidence with the purpose of connecting children to the world of work.

“I have been highly impressed with the U Can Shine enterprise project our year five pupils have undertaken with Shaun,” said head teacher Alistair Budd.

“Our pupils have been challenged to develop a full range of skills such as planning, advertising, pricing policy, budgeting and project delivery.

“I have been further impressed by pupil attitude, development, resilience and resourcefulness.

“On top of all that they have raised money for charity.

“This is a sizeable achievement. Well done all.”

Top Gear’s The Stig made a special guest appearance at the school where he handed out certificates to the winners.

“I’ve been blown away by the response from all the pupils,” said Shaun.

“They’ve been absolutely terrific throughout and today is just a reward for all they’ve put into the whole project.

“They started with a goal to raise £700 and they’ve currently raised over £1,100 with final monies coming in over the next couple of days. A terrific effort.”