YOUNG people were inspired to search for the truth by a Nobel Prize winning scientist Sir Harry Kroto when he returned to his hometown of Bolton.

Sir Harry, who won the 1996 Novel Prize for the being a part of the team which invented Carbon 60 — a substance which revolutionised civil engineering because it is both stronger and lighter than steel, staged a practical lesson for primary school children.

He also gave a lecture to secondary school children at his former school, Bolton School.

Sir Harry said: “I am proud of the school and more than that am and pleased to return to Bolton School and speak to children from all local schools and to be doing this workshop.

“It is important for me to come here and speak to these children because the world they live in is very different from my world.

“Science is the font of knowledge, science is part of natural philosophy and determines what is true.

“Science is not just above solving problems, such as sustainability, it is a way of thinking.

“I want young people not just to be told but for them to question how and why.”

Primary school children recreated the Carbon 60 molecule model while high school pupils were encouraged to question all subjects as well as the importance of their imagination by Sir Harry, who is also talented artist and a keen photographer.

Sir Harry said: “People are dying because large number of people are accepting things which are not true.

“Attitude is the simple recipe for success.”

Zaki Chandia, aged 15, from Bolton School, said: “I thought it was a really interesting lecture, it gave me a different perspective on science and about thinking more about things, rather than just being told it.”

Daniel Beaman, aged 14, added: “I am interested in science so was looking forward to meeting Sir Harry.

“He is inspiring and good example to young people in Bolton because he is from here.”

Primary school children said they were excited to have met a Nobel Prize winner.

Estelle Pass, aged nine, said: “It is amazing that he has come to the school to talk to us.

“It makes it more special that he is from Bolton, it is inspiring for everybody.”

Cameron Kirkwood, aged eight, added: “I think I will enjoy science even more after meeting Sir Harry, who shook my hand.

“It is really amazing to have a Sir and Nobel Prize winner from Bolton.”