A SCIENCE fair to honour the life of engineer James Watt was held at Crofton Pumping Station, near Marlborough at the weekend.

Over three days people could learn more about the industrial heritage site and take part in experiments that showcased the work of the famous inventor.

Crofton joined forces with Badminton School and The Institute of Physics and Bristol University to stage the three day event which ran from 10.30am to 4.30pm on Saturday to Monday.

Crofton Pumping Station is one of the most significant industrial heritage sites in the United Kingdom and invites visitors to step back through industrial and social history to a time when steam was king.

The station was built in 1807-9 to supply water to the highest point of the Kennet & Avon Canal which links London and Bristol.

At the weekend Badminton School demonstrated Life In The Freezer with experiments using liquid nitrogen and superconductors while the Institute of Physics showed off special engines that run on heat alone.

Dr. Sally Dickson spoke about the life and work of James Watt and his association with the Lunar Society plus there was a homage to James Watt by Dr. Malcom Dick entitled The Power To Change The World - James Watt: A Life In 50 Objects’.

A spokesman for Crofton said: "We have been working on applying new science to James Watt’s engine design to better understand how they work.

"This weekend provided an opportunity to see the results so far and our plans for the future. Two hundred years ago James Watt could only dream of this capability.

"Our magnificent 200 year old coal fired pumping engines were also at work."