SCIENCE came to life when the 'Lab in a Lorry' rolled into the West Somerset Community College this week.

Around 2,000 students across the county have experienced the Institute of Physics-run mobile lab which is designed to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

And West Somerset youngsters became the latest enthusiasts given the opportunity to explore science through specially created interactive experiments.

EDF Energy, the French company behind the proposed Hinkley C nuclear power station, has sponsored the lorry's three month tour of Somerset schools as part of a programme of activity to engage local students in science subjects and inspire its next generation of employees.

The experiments on board involved using the properties of light to diagnose sick patients, using sound waves to smash wine glasses and scattering light to understand why the sky is blue.

Lorry in a Lab co-ordinator in Somerset, James Bamford, said: "The tour so far has been a huge success and that is set to continue.

"We've been inundated with requests from schools across the region and if the reception we've had so far is anything to go by, it's clear that many students have a real appetite for it."

The lorry is fitted with three distinct areas for groups of up to six children to take part in the hands-on experiments.

Staffed by volunteers - all scientists and engineers - the 44-foot lorry is one of two labs which have been visiting schools free of charge across the UK and Ireland since 2005.

David Eccles, head of EDF Energy's Bridgwater office, said the company was proud to have helped bring such an exciting project to so many schools in the county.

"The experiments are great fun and will hopefully encourage more students to think about studying STEM subjects - science, technology, engineering and maths.

"EDF Energy's planned development at Hinkley Point C will create many thousands of jobs so we are working hard to raise awareness of science subjects and prepare local students for potential career opportunities."

Photo: Steve Guscott