SCHOOLCHILDREN have been set the rollercoaster task of designing their very own funfair 'Big One'.

Ten schools within Leigh Education Action Zone have been presented with a K'Nex construction kit and have been briefed on their spine-tingling mission to devise an exciting ride for a theme park.

The exercise is all part of the National Junior Engineers for Great Britain K'Nex Challenge.

Pupils have being working alongside Salford SATRO engineer Lex Thakur. Now they are developing models of swings and more complex Ferris wheels and roundabouts, enjoying finding ways to speed up and slow down their imaginative rides.

Advisory teacher Glenn Aspinall said: "This is a practical project that helps the children to understand the effects of forces in motion and how their models can be moved realistically."

Children study subject skills such as designing, making structures, mechanisms, shape and structure. The students also develop important life skills such as innovation, problem solving, teamwork and the 'can do' approach.

The 10 schools involved in the challenge are Our Lady of the Rosary RC, St Thomas CE, Leigh Central, St Joseph's RC, Higher Folds J&I, Newton Westpark, St Peter's Juniors, Westleigh Methodists, Sacred Heart RC and Bedford Hall Methodists.