A seven-year-old schoolgirl from Manchester has claimed victory at a national youth invention competition, outperforming more than 1,600 young entrants across the United Kingdom. Callie, whose surname has not been widely disclosed, developed an imaginative machine called the 'Task Firing Driveable Bath' that blends a motorized bathtub with an automated task-dispensing mechanism and a rubber-duck launcher system.
The invention draws direct inspiration from the BBC Two comedy panel show Taskmasters, where contestants complete absurd challenges overseen by a host and their indispensable right-hand person, Alex Horne. According to reports, Callie conceived her device as a way to help Mr. Horne perform his duties more efficiently — transforming a standard bathtub into a mobile station that can dispense tasks and launch rubber ducks simultaneously.
Judges praised the project for its creative engineering, humor, and attention to functional detail. The competition, which attracted entries from schools and clubs nationwide, required young participants to design original solutions to everyday problems. Callie's submission stood out for combining practical mechanics with a distinctly British sense of whimsy.
Her success has drawn attention from local educators and innovation advocates, who say the win highlights the importance of encouraging creative thinking in children at an early age. Local teachers noted that Callie has shown a longstanding interest in building and problem-solving, often constructing elaborate projects in her free time.
The competition organizers said they were impressed by the technical sophistication of many entries but singled out Callie's design for its originality and clear thought process. Her win comes amid growing interest in youth STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs across the UK, with policymakers increasingly advocating for hands-on creative learning in schools.
