Sixteen Indian students, who set out to the United Kingdom against all odds to participate in the 'Formula Student 2003 car exhibition', were rewarded for their efforts with the second place in the 'Best Endeavour' category at the event, held at the Bruntingthorpe Proving Ground in Leicestershire.

"We have won the second prize," an excited Nishcint Gangahar told his parents in New Delhi over phone from England.

Gangahar and his 15 colleagues are from the Delhi College of Engineers.

Since the Delhi university was represented for the first time in the event, which encourages auto engineering talent from around the world, the boys knew they had a good chance of winning at least the second prize, for the Chris Cernes Memorial trophy.

For all their efforts, they received 250 pounds sterling.

Before leaving for the big event, in which 44 leading universities of the world participated, Chirag Taneja had told rediff.com that though they were hoping to win a prize what was important to them was the spirit of participation in the event.

The boys will be returning home in two separate batches on Friday and Sunday.

On learning about their success, the boys called their coordinator in New Delhi and asked him to thank rediff.com for lending support to their cause and boosting their morale when the chips were down.