Students brushed soldiers with MPs and cabinet members at the House of Commons on the eve of Guy Fawkes night.

Ilford Recorder: Ilford Ursuline pupils talking to David Willetts at the Houses of Parliament.Ilford Ursuline pupils talking to David Willetts at the Houses of Parliament. (Image: Archant)

Pupils from the Ursuline Academy Ilford, in Morland Road, were showcasing their sustainable gardening ideas at science event the Big Bang Fair.

Jayakirupa Baskaran said she could not believe she went inside the Houses of Parliament.

She added: “I’m so proud of my group, and for all the hard work and dedication that we have put in.

“This was a fantastic event for us to engage with the MPs about our project.”

The team of six 13 and 14-year-olds won the regional stage of the competition earlier this year and will compete against inventions from across the country.

Their miniature gardens and structures could be the bees’ knees in the fight to protect urban insects.

Ilford South MP Mike Gapes had a look at their work and universities and science secretary David Willetts praised pupils at the event.

He said: “We have to take action both in government and across industry to attract more young people, especially girls, into engineering careers.”

Ed Reilly head of design and technology at the school, said it was “exciting and very motivating” for students to discuss their projects with MPs and business role models.