TALENTED students from schools in Stockton and Billingham put all their energy into a project combining science and art.

Pupils from Northfield and St Michael's secondary schools, in Billingham, and Our Lady and St Bede School, Stockton, took part in Energise, a scheme developed by Tees Valley Arts (TVA) and the North-East Process Industry Cluster.

The students and teachers worked with artists Andy Comley and Bob Beagrie and industry partners to explore fuels of the future through the medium of art.

They showed off their work at an exhibition held at Preston Hall Museum, Eaglescliffe, yesterday.

TVA education officer Tim Coyte said: "These projects address a national need. 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."

During work on the project, participants with industry partners visited sites looking at biofuels and the hydrogen fuel cell. The aim was to give students an insight into renewable energy solutions being developed.

A workbook produced by students will be distributed to secondary schools.