INTREPID pupils from Malmesbury Primary School were awarded for their team spirit in a Mission to Mars competition held last week.

Youngsters had to design and make a robot from Lego building blocks that would be able to complete tasks on a replica Martian landscape.

The eight Malmesbury students in year six competed against 12 other teams but failed to make the top three at the regional heats held in Swindon and go on to the national finals.

But the team did not come back empty handed. They were honoured with medals for teamwork.

Parent Paul Robinson, who helped with Malmesbury School's bid, said the pupils had performed well.

He said: "The children only had four weeks together and achieved a lot in that time. It was very, very stiff competition. They all seemed to enjoy themselves and it was a very good experience for them."

Tasks on the Martian landscape included picking Lego pieces up and moving them about in a simulation of what a real space module would be expected to do.

The team also had to undergo a research and technical interviewed by judges to test their design and programming knowledge of their robot.

This was the first year Malmesbury entered the competition and Mr Robinson, an engineer whose son Daniel was in the team, hoped the building blocks had been laid for future success. He said: "We will enter next year and hopefully we will improve our position."