Sky is the limit for North East pupils

Primary school pupils from Tyneside and Wearside have been flying high after taking part in the first Newcastle Airport 'Paper Plane' challenge.

More than 60 youngsters, representing partner schools of Foundation of Light and Newcastle United Foundation, touched down at the Newcastle Aviation Academy for the event which pushed their design and creativity skills to the limit.

As part of the challenge, the pupils from Cotsford Juniors and Bailey Green Primary School took part in a number of workshops which gave them a greater understanding of Newcastle Airport and its worldwide destinations and the importance of corporate identity which they used to develop their paper aeroplane.

Staff from Newcastle Aviation Academy, Newcastle College's state of the art offsite campus based at Newcastle Airport, were on hand to provide expert advice around materials, aerodynamics and flight technique.

Tim Jacklin, Head of Aviation at Newcastle College, said: "The staff and I were extremely impressed with the positive attitude, behaviour and application that all young learners displayed during the paper Planes Event here at the Newcastle College Aviation Academy.

"The thought that went into the design and build task was impressive and the final 'Fly Off' in the hangar was brilliant. Our thanks go out to all who assisted in this day and to the foundation and airport teams who were superb throughout."

Paper Planes has been a hugely successful event and all of the youngsters have really enjoyed the challenge. We're really pleased to have got this event off the ground. It is fantastic we can use this partnership with Newcastle International Airport and the Aviation Academy to engage youngsters in fields such as engineering and design. Today's event holds with our ethos of bringing subjects to life through innovative learning experiences.

Richard Hopper, Head of Commercial at Foundation of Light

Newcastle United Foundation Learning and Skills Manager, Andrew Foster, said: "The Paper Plane Challenge was a fantastic opportunity for pupils representing both Foundations to go behind the scenes at Newcastle International Airport to learn about aviation in a fun and innovative way.

"The groups, who produced some incredible designs, were really inspired with some even considering a career in the industry. We'd like to thank the Airport and Newcastle Aviation Academy for a brilliant experience!"

The Paper Plane Challenge is part of Newcastle Airport's historic partnership with Sunderland AFC's Foundation of Light and Newcastle United Foundation which has raised over £50,000 for communities across Tyneside and Wearside since launching in 2015.