STUDENTS received a surprise visit from the Prime Minister after finishing second in a national science challenge.

Three girls from Waingels College in Woodley had the chance to meet Theresa May after taking part in the Youth Grand Challenge Finals last year.

Aimee Wallace, Grace Roylance and Mia Wooldridge designed a floating garden to help battle malnutrition in developing countries and were runners up in their category.

The Prime Minister said: “It was a pleasure to visit Waingels College again and hear of the outstanding work that has been achieved.

“I was particularly pleased to meet Aimee, Grace and Mia and to hear about the Youth Grand Challenge, which I hope has inspired them and many others to become our next generation of successful innovators and scientists.

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“A lot of work by both staff and pupils has gone into making Waingels the success it is today and I look forward to hearing more of its progress and achievements in the future.”

The trio had the chance to present their innovative project to Mrs May after tackling a series of global health and development challenges.

In a joint statement, Aimee, Grace and Mia added: “The whole experience of the competition was life changing and we are looking forward to our prize visit to the Antarctic Survey in Cambridge.

"We will get to experience -250C temperatures, as well as the Antarctic aquariums and talk to real scientists. Presenting our work to the Prime Minister was nerve-wracking, but very exciting.”