A talented pupil from Helensburgh’s Hermitage Academy will have their design launched into space after winning an ‘out of this world’ competition.

Chloe won the secondary school level category in the Argyll and Bute Council contest which saw over 380 pupils create a space mission patch.

The competition was held as part of the council’s STARS24 event which aimed to encourage more young people to take an interest in STEM subjects.

Councillor Audrey Forrest, Policy Lead for Education: “The space sector is the fastest emerging industry in Scotland so this is a great time for young people and children to explore how STEM subjects can open up exciting opportunities for them.

“Thank you to everyone who entered the space mission patch competition and congratulations to our three winners. What an opportunity to take their designs into space.

“We hope the STARS24 event has inspired future generation experts across Argyll and Bute.”

Helensburgh Advertiser: Chloe's winning designChloe's winning design (Image: Argyll and Bute Council)

Young people enjoyed a day of learning and discovery at Machrihanish Business Park as they took part in a range of STEM workshops including virtual space walks, learning about space junk and satellites, parachutes, and designing rockets.

Winners for the lower primary, upper primary, and secondary categories were chosen and successfully launched a mile into the sky on the day.

Blue Origin, a leading space company, has now offered to send the winning mission patches to space on a future launch.

They will stamp the patches with ‘Flown to space’ and then return them to the winners as a unique keepsake.