MORE than 800 children from 14 schools across the region have attended a science outreach programme led by Rednock School in Dursley.

A series of exciting demonstrations, filled with deafening explosions and colourful flames and gases, was led by Tim Harrison from Bristol University's Chemlabs outreach project.

One admiring student was 11-year-old Asha Ward from Uley Primary School.

"I thought the science lecture was packed-full of explosive fun and ideas," she said.

"I really liked all the banging experiments."

Organising the event was Rednock science teacher Ben Hall who hoped the eye-opening sessions would become an annual event.

"It is important to raise the profile of science and encourage children to think about its role in their future lives, particularly for those about to undergo the transition to secondary school and for those currently deciding which science GCSE options to choose," he said.

"I have no doubt that for some of these children, engaging them now will change their view of science, their study options, their career choices and ultimately the society they live in."