ART is being used in a drive to encourage children to consider a career in science.

Youngsters on Teesside have been using their artistic skills to interpret their view of science as part of the Energise Project.

The initiative has been developed by Tees Valley Arts and the North East Process Industry Cluster, with support from Stockton Borough Council.

Youngsters from Our Lady and St Bede School, Stockton, and Northfield and St Michael's secondary schools, Billingham, visited industrial plants on Teesside, to look at the development of renewable energy. The results include an exhibition of pupils' sculptures, a workbook, which will be circulated around other schools, poetry and creative writing.

Tees Valley Arts' education officer Tim Coyte said: "These projects address a national need - that there are not enough people going into the science industry.

"The programme tackles this by engaging students in science through stimulating, enjoyable and meaningful arts projects."

The exhibition will be held at the Preston Hall Museum, Eaglescliffe, on July 10.