DURHAM University opened its laboratory yesterday to almost 1,000 young scientists.

Pupils from secondary schools across the region attended the annual Durham Science Festival to get a taste of what it would be like to have a career in the world of engineers, biologists, chemists astronomers and medical researchers.

Staff at the university's science departments joined forces with experts from the University Hospital of North Durham in the event.

With undergraduates away on vacation, the university science facilities were open to the 13 to 15-year-olds of years nine and ten from schools and colleges in County Durham, Tyne and Wear and Tees Valley.

Working in teams of four, the pupils engaged in a range of interactive activities.

Dr Paula Martin, of Durham's Earth Sciences Department said: "We wanted to give students a practical chance to widen their understanding and appreciation of science and technology.

"The activities will have made them think a bit and boost their confidence in their problem-solving abilities.''

The festival has been running since 1995.

Since then more than 12,000 teenagers have sampled its activities and many have gone on to pursue degrees in science.