THORNDEN School pupils in Chandler’s Ford have won competition to encourage youngsters to invent new ways of saving water.

Thornden’s self-named ‘Green Team’ designed a scheme which allows ‘grey’ water from baths and showers to be transported to a water butt in the garden to water plants and vegetables.

The water is then cleaned by a series of filters which remove any waste.

Aqua Innovation is run by Southern Water to help schools across Kent, Sussex and Hampshire become more water efficient.

Sheera Mohammadi Ghayeghchi, 13, part of the winning team, said: “I’m completely overwhelmed with the win and really happy that I got to work with such an amazing team. It was a great experience.”

He science teacher, Amy Ryan, said: “The pupils have done all of this work independently and I’m so proud that they’ve won. It’s really exciting for them.

“The competition has made them much more independent, confident and they now know how to do things for themselves. They’re also going to continue to run Green Team on behalf of the school.”

Regional Leakage Manager for Southern Water, Phil Tapping, was one of the four judges who was impressed by all of the finalists’ presentations at Fontwell Park Racecourse in West Sussex. He said: “The ideas and creations were brilliant and very adaptable as they could be used by anybody.

“We really liked Thornden’s idea because they took you on a journey – from the idea, to the concept and then the design. They even held workshops and a quiz to gain feedback from other people. Everything seemed to link really well together, with the presentation showing the journey from the start to the end, while also considering the environment at the same time.”

The winning pupils can now look forward to their prize - a stay at the Lodge Hill Educational Centre near Pulborough, West Sussex, where they will enjoy activities such as abseiling while learning about the environment and sustainability issues.