THE teenage inventors of the Crikey Bikey safety harness, have scooped up a Highly Commended award in the Junior Engineering and Technology category of the UK's prestigious National Science and Engineering Competition.

Talented Sky and Kia Ballantyne, aged 12 and 13 respectively, were announced as the winners of the junior category with their project that saw them create a harness with a handle which makes learning to ride a bike more fun for the child and more comfortable for the adult.

The girls, both pupils at Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls, received the results at The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair, at The NEC, Birmingham.

At the fair, the pair's shortlisted entry was showcased to over 75,000 visitors and they came face-to-face with top celebrity judges.

As part of their prize, they will win £100 and a framed certificate.

Sky said: "The competition has taken me on an amazing journey. I always had my sights set on winning a big prize at The Big Bang Fair but it feels incredible to have achieved Highly Commended in the Junior category. The best and most important discoveries and inventions are down to science and engineering, and this contest has helped me to realise that I want to be a part of that in the future."

Imran Khan, Chief Executive of the British Science Association, which runs the National Science and Engineering Competition, said: "We're thrilled that Sky and Kia's project has been awarded this prestigious honour at The Big Bang Fair this year. Their project really caught our imagination and we hope that they inspire other young people."

The National Science and Engineering Competition is an annual event open to pupils aged between 11 to 18, and gives participants the chance to compete for top prizes and international experiences worth over £50,000.

Pictured are Sky and Kia, with Cath Elsmore from Salt and Pepper, where the girls are selling their product.