QUEEN Elizabeth's Community College in Crediton is taking part in this year's Rolls-Royce Science Prize.

Around 1,500 schools across the country entered the competition and QECC is one of just 50 selected to take part.

The college has been awarded a £1,000 Special Merit Award to help develop science teaching, and inspire students about the subject.

Science teacher Nick Baker said: "It's a delight to receive this award and have the opportunity to inspire students in new and exciting ways.

"Science is always changing, as are students' expectations, so it's great to be able to update and expand the range of activities that we do in lessons."

Helen Bishop, of Rolls-Royce, said: "Educating a new generation of young scientists is vital for our country."

QECC must wait until July to hear if it is one of the nine finalists in the contest. If chosen, it will receive a further £5,000 to help implement its proposal during the next academic year.

The nine finalists will then compete for the first prize of £15,000.