n Southampton science and technology pupils have been investigating ways of transporting water to earthquake victims trapped on an island.

Pupils at Upper Shirley High School were given the task of designing and building bridges to carry water to survivors for a competition sponsored by Southern Water.

The students, who worked in teams, were judged on the success of their constructions.

The winner was the bridge holding the most weight and water, while being the cheapest to construct.

Glen Stock, a water manager for Southern Water, watched the students’ test their designs. He said: “There was lots of healthy competition and I think it has really sparked an interest in engineering and brought home the message about how precious water is to us all.”