Derek Edwards, leader of the Young Engineers Club, discusses robot strategies with students after they club took home the First Lego League UKs National championship title and have won a spot at the International championship in St. Louis, Missouri in April.

YOUNG engineers from a village school have proved themselves the best in the country after winning the National Robotics Championships.

The team from Trimley St Martin Primary School is now hoping to take part in an international event – possibly the world finals in America – if money can be raised to pay for the trip.

Known as TSM Roboteam, the youngsters – all members of the school’s Young Engineers’ Club – beat 23 other teams to win the national final at Loughborough University.

Two months earlier they had been crowned regional champions after a testing day of competition at Duxford Airspace Museum.

Derek Edwards, coach and mentor for TSM Roboteam and leader of the school’s Young Engineers’ Club, said the club had been formed about 11 years ago to help develop a general interest in mechanical, structural, electrical and electronic engineering, with the aim to extend expertise and knowledge beyond the scope and level gained through normal schoolwork.

“Since about 10 years ago, a team has been formed from the club each autumn term to take part in an annual international research and robotics competition known as the FIRST Lego League Challenge,” he said.

“The team comprising three Year 5 and six Year 6 students attended three after-school sessions a week throughout the autumn term to carry out the necessary work.”

Mr Edwards added; “The teams had to present research work based upon the theme of food safety, and also design and programme a sophisticated Lego robot to undertake a series of complex table-top missions.

“They were also judged on their technical knowledge and teamwork.”

Following the thrill of winning the UK national finals, the team could now take part in an international event, possibly the world finals in St Louis, Missouri.

A meeting will take place with parents next week to discuss the costs and possible fundraising activities.

Two years ago the TSM Roboteam qualified for a place at the FIRST Lego League World Festival in Atlanta, competing with 84 teams from more than 30 countries, scoring perfect marks in two of the three rounds and winning an award for coming second in the Inspiration category.