SCHOOLCHILDREN took part in a chemistry event aimed at introducing them to the excitement of science.

The students, from 12 schools in the Teesside area, took part in the Salters' Festival of Chemistry at the University of Durham, Queen's Campus, Stockton.

The event was organised by the TCI Science Education Unit and each school was represented by a team of four pupils, aged 11 to 13.

The teams were involved in a range of practical activities judged by representatives from Avecia Biotechnology, ConocoPhillips, Dow Chemicals and Huntsman Tioxide.

During the morning, the youngsters took part in a competitive practical activity called The Salterstown Mystery, in which they used analytical chemistry skills.

In the afternoon, the teams competed in the University Challenge, a practical activity chosen by the TCI Science Education Unit that involved them creating colours for water-based plants.

This was then followed by a lecture by Dr Syliva Bettington and Dr Amber Thompson, My Mother and her Nine Pumpkins - the science of plants.

The Salters' Festival of Chemistry is an initiative of the Salters' Institute, which aims to promote the appreciation of chemistry and related sciences.