HUNDREDS of youngsters are working with North-East scientists to help them become researchers.

Science experts from Durham University are running activities as part of Durham Science Festival.

Each year, the university opens its laboratory doors for 13 to 15-year-olds in schools and colleges in the North-East.

Spokeswoman Lorraine Coghill said: “We want to give the students a practical chance to widen their understanding and appreciation of science and technology.

“These activities will give them the opportunity to think more about the world around them and boost their confidence in their problem-solving abilities.”

Working in teams of four, the pupils will examine interactive exhibits with the help of university science lecturers and postgraduate research students.

Exhibits include perspectivealtering goggles to help explain how people see the world and how that affects behaviour.

In other activities, the pupils observe the effects of liquid nitrogen and analyse fingerprints.