ANGLESEY school kids met an interactive robot and built models during an "inspirational" event at RAF Valley.

The eleven youngsters from Ysgol Y Tywyn, which is near the air base, were 'JET' students on Friday.

They were taking part in a Jon Egging Trust (JET) initiative designed to inspire and encourage children in the local community.

Ysgol Y Tywyn works in partnership with the JET charity and RAF Valley.

The session was part of the Blue Skies Inspire Packages project in Wales which promotes teamwork and confidence-building.

The island's Labour MP Albert Owen also dropped by during the event held at the Welfare Hub, at RAF Valley.

The scheme is being delivered to at least six local primary schools in Anglesey, Gwynedd and Conwy as well as the Canolfan Addysg Y Bont, Llangefni.

The JET Blue Skies three-year programme is also delivered at Holyhead's secondary school, Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi.

Mr Owen, joined the Ysgol Y Tywyn year six pupils, whilst they took part in a STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) session by BAE systems, with support from RAF Valley personnel.

The children were set a challenge, working in teams, to build a selfie board. They had to use communication skills, listening and problem solving.

They also had a special surprise meeting with Mia, the walking, talking robot which has been designed and created by BAE Systems’ engineers.

After lunch, they also visited IV Squadron and XXV (F) Squadron to see the jets and try on pilots' equipment.

The session was one of eight the youngsters will experience through the scheme which is supported by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund.

Other sessions have previously included indoor climbing at Indefatigable supported by Eagle House, problem solving with Horizon Nuclear Power and den-building at Penrhyn castle with Wild Elements.

JET was set up in memory of Red Arrows pilot Jon Egging (Red 4) who died in August, 2011 during a display at the Bournemouth Air Festival.

The charity realises his dream of helping young people overcome adversity, identify strengths and work towards ambitions.

Bonny Greenhalgh JET’s Regional Youth Programmes Manager North Wales, said: “Partnership working is a core part of JET’s delivery of our youth engagement programmes.

"In North Wales we are fortunate to have the support of volunteers and a range of partners that help us to deliver skill building sessions and provide inspirational role models.

"We hope that these young people will be inspired to be the best they can be and perhaps become role models themselves for their communities”

MP Albert Owen said “It’s great to see the young people gaining skills, gaining confidence and gaining spirit to work together as a team and benefitting from the Jon Egging Trust.

"This is an excellent project bringing together, school children, local companies at the base and the RAF and I saw at first hand the confidence building of the students and the link to STEM courses going forward.

"I congratulate the organisers and those who give their time."

 Pictures by : SAC Nathan Edwards, RAF Valley Photographic Section