Pupils from Sutton-in-Craven Community Primary School were given hands-on experience in a real laboratory to help bring their science lessons to life during a local company.

Thirty year four pupils visited Cross Hills company, Airedale Chemicals for a day of experiments tied in with the ‘living things’ theme they are currently studying as part of their science curriculum.

The trip was planned by the company in a bid to inspire scientists of the future with an insight into a career in chemistry.

The children carried out activities in the research and development laboratory exploring how penguins stay dry, why animals need blubber and learned to grow their own crystals. They were also given a virtual tour of the site, following the journey of its products from order to dispatch and allowed to explore the fleet of specially equipped wagons.

Head of marketing Daniel Marr, said: “It has been an absolute delight to host the year four pupils from Sutton-in-Craven Community Primary School. They showed real interest and enthusiasm so hopefully we’ve inspired the next generation of chemists and sparked a greater interest in STEM subjects.”

The trip was part of a new partnership developed between the the school, and the company inspired by the company’s celebrations marking 25 years based in Cross Hills. It is one of a number of initiatives rolled out by the Airedale Foundation, the charitable arm of the Airedale Chemical group.