LIFE is a drag for speed demons from a Dorchester school - they are in the final of a national racing championship.

The five-strong team of students have built an environmentally friendly dragster for the Formula Franco Competition at Goodwood in Sussex.

They will pit their mean machine - which uses electricity instead of petrol - against others from schools, colleges and university in knock-out races on October 13.

But first the Thomas Hardye School squads need to find a small parachute called a drogue to attach to the back of the car to slow it down at the end of the race.

Teacher Alan Rowse said: "The students have done very well and are looking forward to going.

"The car is two metres long and a metre wide and has to go as fast as possible over 200 metres. There will be a driver on board and there will be a knock-out series of races.

"We hope the car will reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour."

The students designed and built the car with help from Dorchester Cycles and Neighbourhood Engineers.

They are: team captain Neil Baker, Daniel Poole, Callum Weaver, Eric Carter and Daniel Cosser.

The Greenpower group has organised the competition to promote the use of electric motors as opposed to petrol engines with sponsors including Fracmo and Ford.

Mr Rowse said: "As part of the vehicle specification it must have a small parachute called a drogue.

"We are appealing for the loan of a drogue-style parachute in order to comply with the final spec."

Anyone who can help is urged to call Mr Rowse at the school on (01305) 266064.