York has hosted a space race with a difference - in which pupils competed to squeeze satellite technology into a soft drinks can.

The Priory School in Hitchin Hertfordshire, won the contest run by the UK branch of the European Space Education Resources Office at the University of York.

The unique challenge to students and teachers was to fit all the major components of a satellite, such as power, sensors and a communication system into a can.

Eights schools took part in the UK CanSat Competition at the Resources Office based at the National STEM Centre at the university.

It was the first year that a national competition has been run in the UK – with teams taking part from England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The highlight was the launch event of each CanSat at Elvington Airfield, where the teams presented their designs to a panel of judges.

The Priory School was announced as the winner of the beginners’ category and Bearsden Academy, Glasgow, as winner of the advanced category. The Priory School was declared overall winner, meaning pupils will go on to the European contest in Norway in June.

Tom Lyons, a Teacher Fellow at the Resources Office, said: “This project gives students the taste of a real space project. Every school that entered has shown innovation and flair. We hope that the CanSat competition inspires the students to continue their interest in space related projects.”