TEEN racers are getting in gear for a trip to the heart of British motor racing for a national competition.

The students from All Saints School in Weymouth have their hearts set on a top prize when they compete in the Ford Greenpower final at the Goodwood circuit in West Sussex on Sunday.

Their place in the final was secured when they came second in the regional heats held at the Haynes Motor Museum last month.

This is the school's fourth entry into the annual competition - this year's entry, a bubble-like vehicle called Smartees, is a very sleek machine.

Helped by local engineers, the team of 11 to 16-year-olds designed and made their own racing car. The 24-volt battery-operated car, which travels at about 25mph and is big enough to carry two people, has to cover as many miles on the racetrack as possible in six hours.

Technology teacher Steve Gibson said: "It's serious stuff. Formula One has got nothing on this. Providing the car holds out we should do reasonably well. This is the best car we have had yet.

"Just like in Formula One the pit stops have got to be quick - that is where we gain the most time."

Team captains James Free and Rebecca Davies, both 14, will be heading the crew of six drivers and the pit crew is made up almost entirely of girls.

"The girls love it and James's sister Abigail, who is 15, is probably the best driver we've ever had," Mr Gibson added.

Families and headteacher Tim Balmforth will accompany the team to Goodwood to cheer them on.

They are hoping a platinum award for clocking up more than 180 miles within the time limit will not be out of their grasp.

Last year, the team won a bronze award for 100 miles and a trophy for the best turned-out team.

Engineers from Weymouth-based Thompson Engineering Skill Centre helped the young designers develop the car and the body was built by staff at Skidmarks on the Granby Industrial Estate.