TALENTED young people at Thornleigh Salesian College are building the foundations for a successful future.

A trio of teenagers at the Astley Bridge school scooped £10,000 for their school after winning a competition to design a new multi-million pound development college in Bolton.

Teams had to submit their own designs for what they think the University of Bolton’s new “university technical college” — or UTC — should look like.

Adam Hall, aged 14, who wants to be an architect, said: “It feels amazing to win. We worked a lot of nights and days on the project to get it finished.

“My heart was beating so fast when they said our names.”

“This competition win has been an amazing experience.”

Marie Antazo, aged 13, added: “I was totally overwhelmed. It is such a great feeling.”

Emmanuel Moro, aged 14, said: “The build-up was extremely tense and, even then, I didn’t expect to win.”

Cllr Colin Shaw, who was the chairman of the panel of judges, said: “The quality of the finalists’ work was of an extremely high standard and it was very hard to pick a winner.”

They beat off competition from Bolton School Boys’ Division, Bolton St Catherine’s Academy and The Derby High School.

Teacher and head of technology at Thornleigh, Leon Cox said: “I’m extremely proud of them. They have worked tirelessly both in school, after school and during their own time spent at home. “ UTC Bolton’s specialisms will be engineering, manufacturing and medical technology.

Building work will start this summer with completion due by July 2015. The building will open for September 2015.

Principal Designate of UTC Bolton, Dr Zubair Hanslot, said: “Congratulations to everyone who made it to the final. Thank you for your dedication.”

Ten per cent of the cash prize will be divided amongst the three students. The school was also given a one-year University of Bolton tuition fees scholarship to be awarded to any student from the school.