A GREAT war aerodrome has been awarded £5,500 to help run popular science events.

Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome has been handed the cash from the Essex Community Foundation to support Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities.

The grant, which was awarded from the Link-ed Mike Williamson Memorial Fund and Yellow Car Charitable Fund, will be used to run two activities as part of its STO-Kers club, which runs on the firsy Saturday of every month.

The club allows youngsters aged between eight and 14 to take part in activities linked by flight.

Two events will be held by the aerodrome next Wednesday and next Saturday during the Easter school holidays.

Chief Executive of Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Ian Flint said: “We’re utterly thrilled to receive this award from the Link-ed Mike Williamson Memorial Fund and Yellow Car Charitable Fund.

“Our STO-Kers club, which allows children between eight and 14 years old to enjoy a variety of activities linked by the theme of flight, has been very successful since its launch last year. This funding will mean that we can continue to deliver a range of highly engaging and fun activities for young people under our STO-Kers banner.

“We are volunteer-led, so the delivery of these STEM activities at Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome has been a labour of love for some very dedicated members of our forever growing volunteer team.

“It’s because of their hard work and commitment we have attracted this grant. Now we can build on our initial success to make a more sustainable program of activities.”

The first event is a rocket car building competition where teams of up to four people will design, build and race a Bloodhound Rocket Car with a prize for the fastest.

It runs from 10am to 4pm and is open for those aged eight and over. It costs £15 per rocket car plus £5 entrance per adult.

To book email admin@stowmaries.org.uk.

A second STO-Kers family fun day will take place next Saturday with a rocket workshop, 3D printing, virtual reality and drone simulators.

Entry is £5 for kids taking part in activities, £8 for adults and £6 for concessions.