Coding classes for children are encouraging young girls to enter into male-dominated technology industries.

Norwich Evening News: School children participating in coding competition at the UEA. Picture: Victoria PertusaSchool children participating in coding competition at the UEA. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)

At the annual Scratch Off competition at the University of East Anglia (UEA) - a day of coding masterclasses for school children - young girls are being particularly nurtured.

Dr Pam Mayhew, the event organiser and senior lecturer at the UEA, said: "We need to capture as many females as possible. We are not providing the industry with a talent pool."

Ed Perkins, who works at Neontribe and is a judge for the competition, agreed: "Girls need to see themselves in coding and see it as somewhere they might be accepted."

The ability to code is becoming increasingly important as technology seeps into every career path.

Norwich Evening News: School children participating in coding competition at the UEA. Picture: Victoria PertusaSchool children participating in coding competition at the UEA. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)

Steve Williams, a part-time Year 1 teacher at Drake Primary School, said: "It sees you through life and opens up a million opportunities."

Norwich Evening News: School children participating in coding competition at the UEA. Picture: Victoria PertusaSchool children participating in coding competition at the UEA. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)

Norwich Evening News: School children participating in coding competition at the UEA. Picture: Victoria PertusaSchool children participating in coding competition at the UEA. Picture: Victoria Pertusa (Image: Archant)