SCIENCE lessons went with a bang at Church Road Primary School when youngsters enjoyed experiments involving rockets and balloons.

University of Liverpool PhD student Sian Owen showed pupils at the, Smithills school how air pressure could be used to propel objects as part of its science week.

Miss Owen is researching how creative arts can increase children's knowledge in science on behalf of the Royal Institution, the body famed for its televised Christmas lectures.

School science co-ordinator Eleanor Atkinson said the event proved a hit with year five and six pupils.

"There was a series of demonstrations involving balloons to show motion and forces such as gravity, which was good revision for those about to sit their SATs. The children loved it.

"This is our sixth science week, which we organise not just to raise standards but to increase interest and awareness in science."