A school will be able to transform its technology curriculum after winning a 3D printer from the county’s largest business to business exhibition.

Mascalls School in Paddock Wood will be able to give pupils hands-on experience of the latest design invention after being picked out of the hat from the Kent 2020 Vision Live draw.

The prize was won by the school’s marketing manager Rachel Hirst, who decided donate it to her employers and students.

She said: “Our design technology department are delighted and I’m sure it will get plenty of use by our students.”

Head of the department Chloe James said: “Adding a 3D printer to the design technology classes will open up a wide range of opportunities.

“We will be able to use the 3D printer within various projects and especially within A-level. Our pupils are keen to learn how to use the 3D printer to enhance the quality of their prototyping and design communication.”

Kent 2020 Vision Live attracted more than 3,000 visitors to the Kent County Showground, Detling, in May.

BSK-CiC commercial director Chris Callander, whose company organises the event, said: “I think it’s fabulous that a school has benefitted from the prize.

“We are passionate about preparing businesses for the future and what better way to do that than to introduce tomorrow’s engineers and designers to a game-changing technology that will soon become part of their everyday working lives.

“I just wish we could give one to every school in Kent.”

The next Kent 2020 Vision events, one for new businesses and one for professional marketers, take place on Wednesday, October 22. Details at www.kent2020.co.uk.