The fifth annual Thanet Primary Schools Battery Car Grand Prix roared into action as young drivers battled it out for supremacy on the track.

Hosted by Chatham House Grammar School, Ramsgate, on a specially constructed circuit, the event attracted hundreds of supporters who cheered the 10 teams on through a 45 minute race that featured skilful and speedy pit stops and driver changes. Prizes were also awarded for driving skills, car design, best presented team, car build portfolio and greenest car.

The overall competition winners were St Nicholas-at-Wade Primary School, which took the race title and the driving skills trophy, as well as the award for best use of recycled materials in their car.

Birchington Primary School proved the closest challengers and won trophies for their team presentation as eco scientists complete with white coats and orange wigs, and their race portfolio. The team from St Peter-in-Thanet Junior School won the award for bodywork design.

Organiser Lester Edmeades said: "The spirit and enthusiasm of our Battery Car Grand Prix continues to grow. Each year the youngsters display grit and determination in a tough competition.

"We had terrific support from Ling Demolition, who donated hundreds of tyres for the race track, Hornby Hobbies, who provided a super Scalextric motor racing set as one of the main prizes, ICOM communications and our students, who work tirelessly before, during and after the event."

School children from Birchington, Minterne, St Nicholas, Haddon Dene, St Laurence, Minster, Herne Bay, Drapers Mills, Upton and St Peter's took part in this year's race.