Children and staff at May Park Primary in Eastville dressed up as mad scientists as part of the school's first festival of science.

The week-long programme involved more than 400 pupils aged from three to 11 in learning about famous scientists and developing scientific skills and knowledge.

Science co-ordinator Stuart Albery said:"Our aim was to raise the profile of science and support the children's knowledge and understanding of the world.

"We have studied scientists from Africa, black America, Asia and Somalia and learned about male and female scientists who have helped shape our world.

"We have had arts weeks before but not a science event. What has been really great is that many parents have been in to join us as well as our governors."

Activities during the festival included dance/drama workshops and a host of visitors including Year 11 students from Bristol Brunel Academy, St John Ambulance, and the fire brigade.

They culminated in a science showcase at the school yesterday.

Rahim Choudhury, 11, said: "We are learning and having fun at the same time. We had CSI here and they showed us fingerprints and footprints."

Haleemah Mahmood, 10, said: "This week everyone learned something. I enjoyed doing cooking. We made vegetarian wraps and tasted chilli."

Khadija Meghrawi, nine, said: "Our class learned about the Amazonian rainforest and environmental science. Our maths and literacy work has been linked to the science week too."