RUTH Kelly presented children from six primary schools in Bolton with an award in recognition of their school's educational programmes.
Children visited Bolton's pioneering Technical Innovation Centre (TIC) to test four special educational days, designed by the TIC to help inspire children in science, engineering and technology.
Youngsters from Highfield, Westhoughton, Chorley New Road, St Gregory's, St William of York and Lever Edge Lane primary school took part.
The Secretary of State for Education and Skills and MP for Bolton West gave the children certificates.
She told them: "I am very grateful to you all for helping to develop these programmes with Bolton TIC. Your help in this is very important to all schools in Bolton. Well done!"
Ms Kelly added: "This is an exciting and innovative project, creating unique opportunities for children in the area to enhance their knowledge and experience of science and innovation. It is a wonderful resource for the young people of Bolton."
After receiving their awards, the children had lunch with Ruth Kelly and other guests.
Bolton TIC intends to offer a wide range of experiences for both primary and secondary schools. It will also design special days around the particular needs and interests of individual schools.
Dr Brian Iddon, chairman of Bolton TIC, MP for Bolton South East, and member of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee, said: "The TIC already has state-of-the-art equipment that will be available to all schools, including rapid-prototyping facilities, 3D computer aided design and specialist stereo-projection, but much more will follow in the months ahead.
"The facilities will be of enormous benefit to all schools in the town. It is a wonderful resource. It is the first of its kind in the UK and we're very proud of it."
Paul Abbott, the director and general manager at the TIC, said the facilities could be used to bring all areas of the school curriculum to life.
The secretary of state operated a flight simulator, a 3D computer aided design system and a device for virtual sculpture.
She also saw parts being grown in a rapid-prototyping machine, she helped children to build and launch rockets, and she witnessed parts being manufactured with lasers.
Bolton TIC exists for all schools and has been established to help nurture innovation in young people from Bolton.
The current drive is to offer primary schools a wonder-filled Science, Engineering and Technology' (SET) experience, and all primary schools will soon be able to book sessions in the TIC.
Later in the year, trials with secondary schools will also take place before programmes are rolled out to all schools in the town.
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