CHILDREN played dentists as part of National Science and Engineering Week.

The NHS loaned nursery school children at Layfield Primary School, in Ya rm, a dentist's chair and other equipment so they could learn all about the subject.

Older children at the school will experience science and engineering activities this week, including talks from Tees Barrage on the pioneering engineering of the watersports centre. Police will visit to explain how the force uses science for DNA and forensic crime detection and a leading female engineer will give a talk. A Boots pharmacist will also try to inspire the children.

"The children are absolutely loving it, " said headteacher Helen Owen.

"It's always a great week anyway, but this year we're getting such a great response. We want to give the children aspirations, for them to think, 'if I study science I can do that'."