SCIENTIFIC Bolton pupils had stars in their eyes ... when a mobile planetarium turned up at their school.

Youngsters from Mount St Joseph School, Greenland Road, Farnworth, enjoyed Stardome Day as part of the Government's Science Year 2001.

And pupils from other Bolton schools were also invited to view the spectacular Stardome - donated for the day by the National Institute of Physics.

Pupils from Our Lady of Lourdes Primary School, Beech Avenue, Farnworth; St Gregory's Primary School, Presto Street, Farnworth; Saint Peter and Saint Paul Infant School, Pilkington Street, Bolton; St Theresa's Primary School, Redcar Road, Little Lever and St William's Primary School, Nugent Road, Great Lever all enjoyed the educational fun.

The Stardome provided an audio and visual tour around the solar system. Pupils wandered around the pitch-black interior where a projector displayed images of the night sky, including planets and constellations.

The Stardome - from Sheffield - is touring schools across the country.

Chris Proffitt, Head of Science at Mount St Joseph School, said the Stardome aimed to raise the profile of science among primary school pupils.

Mr Proffitt said: "It is a bit like a small Jodrell Bank. It is brilliant and helps generate excitement about science-based learning and increase pupil achievement."