A GROUP of Ryedale pupils, who were under starters orders with their hand-built car, have made it home - clutching the award for 'perseverance in the face of adversity.'

The Ampleforth College boys were unsuccessful in their bid to clinch pole position at the Ford Greenpower regional heats at Croft racetrack, outside Darlington, earlier this week.

But their Sky Blue machine impressed the judges nonetheless.

Ralph Robinson, from the heats, said: "Their engine overheated quite badly, and I believe they had a couple of fires.

"They spent a fair bit of time in the pits, but they did very well and were very keen.

"It was just these technical problems which held them up."

The group managed to notch up the fourth fastest lap time in a field of nine competitors, but it was not quite enough to secure them a place in the national finals at the famous Goodwood racing circuit next month.

Updated: 12:41 Saturday, September 28, 2002