A Bradford secondary school has hit the heights to win a national competition.

Pupils at Buttershaw Business and Enterprise College landed first prize in the UK Rocketry Challenge.

The competition, hosted by Bradford-based space education provider, Space Connections, saw young scientists attempt to build a rocket which could lift an egg to a height of 850ft in a flight lasting at least 45 seconds - and bring it safely back.

The five-strong Buttershaw team, called Team Geek, beat schools from throughout the country during a fly-off at Charterhouse school in Surrey.

Now the group will represent the UK in the same event in the US.

Nina Gunson, the school's science and technology enhancement co-ordinator, said: "They have put in lots of work. I am massively proud of them."

The Buttershaw pupils took the title after getting their rocket nearest to the 850ft target. The team adjusted lead weights in the nose cone after completing complex calculations and saw their home-made craft soar to 872ft. The cardboard and balsa wood probe was powered by three engines.

Team member Nicole Johnson, 18, said: "Winning was a total surprise. The egg was wrapped in bubble wrap and placed next to the altimeter to stop it from breaking."

Andy Willis, of Space Connections, based in the Velocity Business Centre on Angel Way, said: "They fully deserved first place in what has been by no means an easy competition.

"It is nice to see a local school flying the flag not just for Bradford but for the region and country, on an international stage."

Beckfoot School, Bingley, finished fifth in the contest.