Famous Twickenham inventor Trevor Baylis and MP Tania Mathias have joined forces to challenge young children in an engineers competition.

The Trevor Baylis Early Engineers Competition tests architectural prowess in a Duplo tower building challenge, and mechanical dexterity in a Meccano construction race.

Children from Heathfield Nursery, Bishop Perrin, Jack and Jill Nursery, and Hampton Wick Infants competed in the competition from June to July, with the top four from each receiving a certificate and book prize from Dr Mathias, sponsored by Teddington’s Lensbury Club.

Dr Mathias, who was recently appointed the interim chairwoman of the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee, said: “My view has always been that we should start with STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) as early as possible with children to foster scientific curiosity from the start.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Dr Mathias at Heathfield School

"It is my hope that the Early Engineers competition might help kick-start some bright futures.”

Nadia Nejand, of Heathfield Nursery said the children were especially engaged with creating the Duplo towers.

She added: “We found that it encouraged skills such as problem solving, perseverance and creative thinking.”

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Some of Trevor Baylis's inventions will be on display at the Eel Pie Museum