GLOW in the dark scorpions, red and white dandelions, meerkats in sunglasses and a glass of fake vole wee were all used to teach children the science of light.

Dr Pete Edwards, of Durham University, teamed up with Jay Gunn, of Jays Animal Encounters, for a presentation on understanding light.

They demonstrated how the natural world makes use of a broad spectrum of light.

Lessons included how Puzzle the Burmese python uses infrared to detect heat to find prey or a warm place to sleep, kestrels use ultraviolet vision to track voles by following their urine and how plants look different to bees than humans so they can attract them to the pollen inside.

Amanda Pybus-Coates, headteacher at Chilton Primary School, which hosted the event, said: “Having real scientists come into school with real exhibits and live animals, being able to participate in experiments really makes science come alive.

“Hopefully it will be memorable and inspire them and kick-start an interest in science that lasts for life.”

Year five pupils from Ferryhill Station, Dean Bank, Chilton and Cleves Cross Primary Schools and young science ambassadors from Ferryhill Business and Enterprise College took part.

The event was organised by Approach Too, which creates opportunities for the community and its young people.