AN engineering challenge at a Cleobury Mortimer school today marks UK Inspire Day - a celebration of the London 2012 Inspire programme.

More than 2,700 projects across the UK have been officially designated as “inspired by the Games”.

Taking place at Lacon Childe School and involving teams from other local schools, the engineering challenge will see students taking up the task of researching, designing and building solutions to real engineering problems.

The event is part of the Institution of Engineering and Technology’s (IET) Faraday education programme, which includes 56 challenge days across the UK.

The events aim to encourage more young people to study and consider careers in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) by encouraging creativity, innovation and problem-solving skills.

Dee Halil, IET education manager, said: “Students taking part experience hands-on design and practical work giving them a peek into the life of a real engineer, the variety of engineering out there and the central role it plays in our everyday lives.

“We are confident that this will challenge young people’s perceptions of engineers and the jobs they do.

“The challenge will be unveiled at the event but with the Olympics just 72 days away I can say that it will be about finding a solution to a real engineering problem linked directly to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“This is a great way to show young people the vital role engineering has played in the Olympics.”

Seb Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, said: “UK Inspire Day is a celebration of the Inspire programme and more than 2,700 exceptional projects like IET Faraday that have been inspired by the Games to do something special in their local communities.”