PUPILS from two Prestwich schools got up close and personal with a 31ft truck during a full throttle visit.

Heaton Park and Butterstile Primary Schools welcomed Rachel Scanlin and David Coupe from Transport Training Academy as part of an exciting logistics workshop.

The youngsters were also invited to take part in an art competition to design the side of a 31ft TTA truck.

The challenge calls on pupils to unleash their inner artist and draw different modes of transport used to send things from one place to another.

Two lucky winners will then have each of their designs printed on the lorry as well as scoop a £100 Amazon voucher and £500 grant for their school.

Lucinda Critchley, age 10, from Butterstile Primary School, said: “I’ve really enjoyed hearing about the competition and learning about logistics. "I wasn’t really sure what logistics was before. I think it would be great to have my design on the truck if I won."

Pupils from Heaton Park were also treated to a chance to sit in the truck's cab and see their blank canvas.

Laura Hestford, Year 3 teacher at Heaton Park Primary School, said: "The children have really enjoyed the visit from Transport Training Academy, in particular having the chance to sit in and see the truck, and learning about how things are transported from one place to another.

"There has been a real buzz in the classroom. Pupils have particularly loved having the opportunity to use their art skills for a practical purpose."

The TTA, based in Atherton and Burnley, has launched its campaign and competition to help attract more young people into future careers in the logistics industry, and dispel stereotypes and myths.

Mr Coupe, Managing Director of Transport Training Academy, said: "The children were all very enthusiastic and seemed to have a greater understanding of what the logistics industry is and the jobs available.

"At the moment our truck is a 31ft blank canvas on wheels and we can’t wait to see what creative ideas children entering the competition come up with."

Ms Scanlin, Director of Transport Training Academy, added that they were delighted to visit the pupils and hopes the day will encourage more people to enter logistics and combat a major shortage of drivers.

For more information or to enter TTA's competition visit www.ttacademy.com/transformmytruck/ or the firm's social media.

The deadline for entries is June 22.