AN MP took four science students to the House of Commons to help a university showcase work helping the area's youngsters.

Alex Cunningham, MP for Stockton North, took the children from St Michael's Roman Catholic School, in Billingham, and local chemicals manufacturer, Johnson Matthey, to a science event at the Commons. He was aiming to promote the work of the University of York with schools and industry in an effort to encourage youngsters to consider science as a career.

George Bailey, Max Bover, Amanda Cardoza and Ellie Redhead worked on a pilot programme with Chemical Industry Education Centre (CIEC) Promoting Science - a group based within the University of York's department of chemistry.

Ellie, 12, said: "This project has shown us what real scientists and industry are about. It has reminded me of my first industrial experience in year six when I took part in Children Challenging Industry."

Mr Cunningham said: "I was delighted to take part in this event, which is doing so much to promote the joys of science among young people.

"The students from St Michael's School in my constituency showed real enthusiasm and I saw a great deal of potential for them to become scientists themselves one day."