St Albans schoolgirls were crowned champions at a Hertsfordshire and Bedfordshire innovation competition recently.

Pupils at St Albans Girls School, under the name Team Cyclone, came first in the second annual Challenge: Water - a competition where teams of teenagers try to come up with the best water saving solution.

Team Cyclone invented a waterproof speaker which would encourage people to finish showering in one song’s length.

As a prize for overall winner and best product categories, they were given £500 for the school and a glass trophy.

Year 9 team member Holly Spencer said: “It was amazing to be so rewarded for all our hard work, everyone in the team was just so incredibly happy.”

A panel of industry experts judged the entry pitches at the Fielder Centre in Hatfield, and the past mayor of Welwyn and Hatfield, Cllr Patricia Mabbott, presented awards.

After the competition their work was submitted to The British Science Association’s student Crest award - every member of Team Cyclone received a Silver Crest award.

In Challenge: Water Marriotts School in Stevenage got best presentation, the best teamwork award was won by Luton’s Stopsley High School, and the best campaign award was picked up by Stanborough School in Welwyn Garden City.

It has been organised by Wateraid and Affinity Water.

CEO of Affinity Water, Simon Cocks, said: “The students involved have gained valuable industry experience, enhanced their employability skills and used their creativity to develop innovative solutions to save water.”