YOUNGSTERS from primary schools had fun with science under the watchful eye of staff at Devizes School.

More than 200 youngsters from schools in the town and surrounding villages took part in the Primary Science Fair which ended with a bang as pupils showed off their experiments.

School spokesman Karen Sims said: "Each school had prepared a range of fantastic experiments that they demonstrated to their peers. There were some fantastic, interactive and scientific demonstrations including everything from amazing density towers, scientific lava lamps and the science of water."

Children from Southbroom St James, Rowde, Nursteed, Bishops Canning, All Cannings, Chirton and Trinity took part in the day.

During the same week the school held a biology day for able, gifted and talented youngsters in Year 10 which included dissecting rats. Science teacher Julie Jones organised the mock medical school to inspire students to consider a career as doctors.

Mrs Jones said: "The students really enjoyed this experience and commented 'It was a bit scary at first as there were actual rats, but then when we started the dissection and got over how gross it was we started to realise how interesting it is and we would love to do more'."

The teenagers also researched digestive organs, including their associated diseases, treatment and potential cures. They learnt how our lifestyles can aggravate stomach ulcers and the effect of the protein gluten on the small intestines of Coeliac Disease sufferers.

At the end of the day they met Dr Laura Stone who shared her career path and explained how she became a practising GP.