THREE brainy pupils from a Thorpe school have created a new system to feed the bears at Colchester Zoo.

Budding engineers Ben Field, Ellen Usher and Sam Usher, from Tendring Technology College, took up the challenge to create an animal-feeding device.

Zoo bosses launched a competition for schoolchildren to come up with a new automated feeder system for the sun bears.

The Thorpe trio spent six months designing and perfecting their system.

It uses compressed air controlled by an electric valve to send food through a tube and into the enclosure at even intervals throughout the day.

The design has now been picked as the winner and a professionally manufactured version will be used inside the bear enclosure.

A school spokesman said: “We are extremely proud of the students and they have used their IT, technology and science skills to great effect.

“This now means the college design will be developed with a professional team, with help from the students, to create a final feeder for the zoo.

“This is an excellent opportunity for them to develop their skills .”

A plaque will be placed at the enclosure marking their contribution.