Robot team heads for the USA

JIM Paice MP handed over a cheque for £2,000 to a team of young engineers from Bottisham who are heading to America to represent the UK in the finals of a robot design competition. The TechnoBotts – Andrew Wightwick, 12, and Eric Wieser, 13, both pupils a

JIM Paice MP handed over a cheque for £2,000 to a team of young engineers from Bottisham who are heading to America to represent the UK in the finals of a robot design competition.

The TechnoBotts - Andrew Wightwick, 12, and Eric Wieser, 13, both pupils at Bottisham Village College, Andrew's brother Oliver, nine, a pupil at the village primary school, and their friend Luke Sheard, 12, from Norfolk - qualified for the final in Atlanta, Georgia, by winning the Best Performing Robot category at the UK national finals in Birmingham and finishing runners-up overall.

The south east Cambridgeshire MP was asked for help by Lizzie Wieser, mother of one of the TechnoBotts, and made representations to the British Council, securing £2,000 - £500 for each team member, which will go towards their flights and accommodation.

The youngsters need £5,000 for the trip.

Mr Paice said: "These young pupils represent the future of British engineering and I

was delighted to secure funding for their trip from the British Council.

"They are flying the flag not just for the UK but Cambridgeshire as well and I wish them every success in Atlanta."

Jim Paice is pictured handing over the cheque to young engineers at Cavendish Laboratory at Cambridge University.

Photo: SUPPLIED