Hatfield’s University of Hertfordshire held a reception to show off some of the pioneering engineering work it has been doing thanks to a partnership with a major bank.

On Tuesday, the university invited guests to learn about its six-year collaboration with Santander, which provides more than £100,000 a year.

The funding enables Hatfield students to enter a competition to produce a racing car that competes on a global stage at various Formula Student events.

this year, the university hopes to finish in the top three, having made several refinements.

Dr Howard Ash, senior lecturer in engineering and technology, said: “We are extremely grateful to Santander for providing this funding and for their continued support. This has helped give our students at the University of Hertfordshire the opportunity to compete at a professional level.”

Other help provided by Santander includes research scholarship awards, undergraduate work placements, graduate internships, and the university’s annual business competition, known as Flare.