THOUSANDS of children from across the area took part in the Lancashire Science Festival aimed at inspiring youngsters to have fun with science, technology, engineering and maths.

The event hosted by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) at its Preston campus welcomed crowds over three days to shows, workshops, exhibits and hands-on activities.

There was a bug eating stall, a test the power of a penalty kick, basic first aid skills, virtual reality computer games and working with robotics.

Ebony-May Hartley, 10, from St James’ CE Primary School in Lower Darwen, said: “I liked all the different activities that I could try, things like eating dried bugs which I’ve never had the chance to try before. It’s great to be able to learn about science in a way which is very different to school.”

Nicola Oatley, deputy head of St James’ CE Primary School in Haslingden, watched on as her pupils got hands-on in the paramedic training area. She added: “The great thing about the Lancashire Science Festival is the hands on activities and the unbelievable real life experiences it offers to the children. They are all being able to have a go at some wonderful tasks and they can see what fantastic facilities the University has.”

The award-winning festival is now in its sixth year and offered 6,000 places to schools this year.