BUDDING scientists tried to drive home the message that science and technology can be fun, by showcasing some of their off-beat designs.

The University of Sunderland's Science and Technology Innovations Day featured a range of gadgets and gizmos developed by students and lecturers.

Taking centre stage was a giant Playstation II, linked to a huge screen in the Prospect Building of the university's St Peter's site.

Visitors could also test themselves with a cyber quiz, experience simulated space travel, make a virtual solar-powered boat, or surf the Internet.

Steve Heywood, of Sunderland University, said the innovations day was designed to show visitors that science and technology could be exciting.

"It, hopefully, made clear that science is not some obscure subject for academics, but something which touches on the lives of everyone on an everyday basis," he said.

Saturday's event was backed by Sunderland's local radio station, Sun FM, which was represented on the day by presenters Simon Grundy and Gill Hope.