SCIENCE was promoted to 3,000 Cleveland and Darlington school pupils this week with the help of some spectacular and unusual exhibits.

Youngsters from more than 60 schools visited the Science is Great show at Ormesby Sports Complex.

Included in the show were an inflatable planetarium, a simulated crime scene which was used to illustrate forensic science and a racing car.

Other displays included one exploring bugs, bacteria and burps.

All the activities at the event - which was described as the biggest of its kind in the North - related to the national curriculum.

The Science is Great show was organised by Setpoint Tees Valley, part of a Government-backed education network which promotes science, technology, engineering and maths.

Setpoint director Colin Wilkinson said: "This event is going from strength to strength. We're attracting high-calibre activities which pack a real punch. It's wonderful to see children motivated to learn more about science."

The event was supported by Learn2Work, a public and private sector consortium which promotes vocational work experience, and the British Association for the Advancement of Science.

Phil Saint, of Learn2Work, added: "This is a fun-filled, thrilling week. Most people think of scientists as stereotypical white-coated laboratory technicians.

"This shows children that science careers are extremely varied and exciting."