Aspiring motor racing engineers got behind the wheel when Volvo dealership Donald’s Garage sponsored a challenge day designed to inspire the automotive talent of the future.

The event encouraged year eight pupils from Ipswich's Orwell Park School to contact local companies to sponsor the motorsport-themed day and Donald's came up trumps.

The Volvo retailer, based on West End Road, Ipswich, supplied a Volvo XC90 and V90 estate for display, enabling youngsters to experience Volvo’s vehicle technology first-hand.

Students were divided into teams consisting of a team manager, two drivers, two engineers, two designers, an accountant and a PR person.

They will be blogging and raising awareness on social media, as well as designing and racing a race car using a simulator.

Donald’s group marketing manager Benjamin Grant said: “Involvement in automotive-themed days with local schools is essential for both the participating students and our sector.

"Today’s vehicles are highly sophisticated pieces of equipment and students are always surprised to find the image of a mechanic covered in oil is far from the reality of working with these cars.

"By witnessing the innovative solutions vehicle manufacturers are now deploying in their products, particularly Volvo’s industry-leading safety and autonomous technology, it encourages youngsters to consider the automotive sector as a potential future career choice.”

In early 2018, Donald’s Garage will be relocating to a Volvo showroom in Ipswich’s Futura Park, Nacton.