BEDFORD High School has been given a state-of-the-art 3D printer to allow pupils to design and make their own products.

The printer was donated by the Manchester branch of electronic, electrical and industrial components company RS Components.

David O’Neill, design and technology teacher at the Leigh school, said: “The donation of the 3D printer will be an asset to the department and will allow more pupils across all key stages at Bedford High School to experience designing and making products using the latest technologies.

"Pupils in year nine are taught a module that gives them the experience of designing using Google SketchUp, so the 3D printers will allow pupils to see their design become a reality.”

Ian Hawkes, RS Components Manchester trade counter manager, said: “We’re committed to helping to bring this kind of technology to pupils so they can experience, enjoy and become familiar with something which is fast becoming commonplace in industry.

“We hope Bedford High School will benefit from this resource and that it may inspire some students to become our engineers of tomorrow.”