Four students from Queen Elizabeth II High School have been named ‘North West Young Engineer of the Year 2013’ with their project ‘Grow Your Own Clothes’.

Millie Barrow, Grace Harrop, Annabell Jose and Emma Howard will now represent the North West in the UK finals of the National Science and Engineering Competition .They will showcase their project to over 60,000 people at the NEC Birmingham from 13th to 16th March 2014.

The girls won their regional heat after presenting their project at The Big Bang North West Fair in Liverpool on Wednesday, 26th June. The National Science and Engineering Competition aims to recognise and reward young people’s achievements in all areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Annabell Jose, age 17, said “We are so excited to be representing the North West. We had an amazing experience at the Fair and were able to further spread our message that the problem of disposable fast fashion needs to be addressed. Our unique project of growing clothes from Kombucha, tea and sugar was a hit with the judges and they have given us helpful ideas on how we can further develop the project”.

The girls now have to raise funds to attend the finals. If any businesses are able to help it would be much appreciated. The project has already received a lot of publicity from winning the Observer Ethical Award 2013 and we envisage more media coverage as representatives of the North West at the prestigious finals. Please contact Lesley Sleight, teacher at Queen Elizabeth II High School, on 841000 if you can help with sponsorship.

Photograph (left to right) – Millie Barrow, Grace Harrop, Annabell Jose and Emma Howard with their display at The Big Bang Fair.