Students' space challenge inspired by local delicacy

They're a British staple universally loved across the nation.

But Chippy Chips is perhaps not the most natural name for a team of students designing a moon buggy.

Nonetheless, that's what youngsters at Westwood Academy in Coventry have chosen - as they represent the UK in a Nasa competition.

The American space agency's Human Exploration Rover Challenge will see 75 other schools, colleges and universities from around the world show off their designs.

The West Midlands students, who have named themselves the Chippy Chips Space Program, have been given a year to put a winning vehicle together.

Next April, they will attend Nasa's Marshall Space Flight Centre in Alabama and present it to scientists.

Science-mad teacher James Suther runs the school's space, rocket and robot club.

He will be coaching a team that includes students Nathan and Gargi and hopes the experience will help them learn teamwork and the value of science.

"You get to have a lot of fun," Mr Suther said. "The students have to build it from the ground up.

"I am hooked on space. That passion has always been with me and I wanted to share it with students."

And the Chippy Chips name? Well, the two youngsters explained their team had chosen something "stereotypically British".

It also follows an internet trend sparked by Chelsea and England star Cole Palmer who famously said they were his favourite food.

Asked why he got involved, Nathan said: "It just seemed like a really good opportunity to do a couple of things, mostly to make other people proud like your family but also because it's a great opportunity in general."

Gargi added: "It's a great opportunity to have some fun and get involved in different activities apart from just studying."

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