SCHOOLS students from across the region became drone pilots for the day at a competition in Broughton recently.

Almost 50 school pupils from schools across north east Wales took part in a unique aerial contest on Monday 26 November, in partnership with major U.S. defence contractor Raytheon.

The contest saw Raytheon ambassadors teach local pupils how to build and fly a fully operational, remotely piloted quadcopter before going on to compete in a series of intricate flying challenges designed to test speed, agility and accuracy.

Now in its fourth year, the competition is running nationwide, taking in eight regions and 40 schools ahead of a grand final in Birmingham next month. The effort reflects Raytheon’s commitment to promoting STEM subjects to cultivate the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Connah's Quay High School, Ysgol Bryn Alyn, Ysgol Clywedog and Ysgol Brynhyfryd took part in the event.

Students from these schools were also assessed on creativity and engineering skill, with Denbigh's Ysgol Brynhyfryd’s Team Green Arrow taking the victory in the Broughton contest.

Mark Isherwood, Assembly Member for North Wales, said: ''Congratulations to Ysgol Brynhyfryd on triumphing in the Flintshire regional finals of the Raytheon Quadcopter Challenge 2018 and well done to all the schools who took part.

''Giving all young people an opportunity to build things is so important and the skills these pupils learn as they design, build and fly their own Quadcopter will last a lifetime. Thanks to Raytheon for championing STEM skills in Wales and beyond.''

250 STEM ambassadors from Raytheon are involved in this year’s challenge, either co-ordinating the competition, visiting schools or teaching the teams.

Aerospace and defence company Raytheon launched the competition in 2015 with teams competing from a single school in Harlow, and the demand from schools to compete has seen it grow every year.

Ysgol Brynhyfryd will now compete against other regional champions at the national final on 12 December in Birmingham.