BATTERY car racers from Ramsgate flew the flag for Kent at the GreenPower challenge national finals at the world famous Goodwood racing circuit.

The vehicle called I’ve Lost My Tractor won the accolade of most improved performance finishing 17th which was 59 places higher than its starting place on the grid.

Aluuuuuminium, the other entry from Chatham House Grammar School, finished 15th which was a good result considering it was out of action for 30 minutes of the six hour endurance race with a damaged wheel and a shredded tyre caused by debris on the track.

Surprise of the finals came for the school’s driving force behind its GreenPower challenge over the last six years - technician Lester Edmeades was awarded the Spirit of GreenPower award for his contribution towards raising the profile of the sport.

He said: "It was a real surprise. The nomination was made by our students and the GreenPower officials. It was a lovely moment that made me so proud."

Head teacher John Mathews said: "Lester has worked tirelessly to pioneer this sport in Kent and beyond. He is a real enthusiast and his dedication rubs off on students and staff. He has achieved so much with little resources and a lot of effort."

This year the school has also developed a dragster called Passing Wind. Its future looks bright having won a competition at the Top Gear track at Dunsford, Surrey, recently where it achieved a staggering speed of 53mph over the 200metre track.

Built from parts and utilising just a starting motor, the team of driver Jack Sanger and support crew James File and Lewis Braund were in fine form, beating Manchester Grammar School and Ludlow College.