A PAIR of Middlewich sisters have made it through to the final of a national young scientists’ competition after impressing at regional heats.

Alia Nelson-Riggott, 15, and 13-year-old sister Amina are both home-schooled, and will now head to the Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers competition final, which is held as part of a science fair at Birmingham NEC in March 2017.

The girls cemented their place in the final by presenting their ideas about potential engineering solutions for humans visiting different planets.

They said: “We're interested in space and in architecture so we thought we'd do some research into colonising other planets and the kind of structure you would build, and what you would use to build it, kind of like the interesting architectural projects on "Grand Designs" but in space which gives you lots more difficulties but also lots more possibilities.

“We've created a website and a short film to convey our ideas and also a recipe book!”

The competition is an annual event, designed to recognise young people’s achievements in the areas of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

Open to entries from across the country aged between 11 and 18, just 200 finalists will come together in March with top prizes including international experiences worth £50,000 – as well as national accolades.

Paul Jackson, chief executive of competition organisers EngineeringUK, said: “This year’s entries to the Big Bang competition highlight how talented the UK’s young scientists and engineers are.

“It’s easy to see why this project has secured a place at the national finals. We’re now excited about seeing all the finalists come together at the Fair in March, where they will have the chance to impress the judges and inspire other young visitors.”

“Congratulations to Alia and Amina and good luck for March.”

For more information visit thebigbangfair.co.uk/competition.