Pupils from three Pembrokeshire schools enjoyed a first-hand experience of life as a scientist with Darwin Centre trustee, Professor Tony Campbell, at the Welston Science Centre, Milton.

The Welston Challenge Science day saw Manorbier, Sageston, and St. Florence Year 4 pupils join the Darwin Centre at the professor’s house near Pembroke recently. The pupils took part in a round robin of activities; woodland walk, pond dipping, microscope work in the professor’s lab, and studying bioluminescent animals in the specially designed dark room.

The whole day is set up to inspire young minds on the potential of careers and lives in science, technology, engineering and maths STEM. Sponsored by local engineering company, Dragon LNG, it runs alongside the multi award-winning Dragon LNG Darwin Experience education programme, which has been engaging with all schools in Pembrokeshire for over a decade.

The pupils compete for the Welston Challenge Shield which has been hard fought for 11 years, and is won by the pupils with most enquiring minds. This year, the title went to Manorbier School.

Marten Lewis, executive director at the Darwin Centre, said: “All of the schools this year were excellent; it is becoming harder and harder to pick a winner. But huge congratulations go to Manorbier, some of their questions and observations on the day were beyond their years. I would like to thank the schools, Dragon LNG and Professor Campbell and his wife, Dr. Stephanie Matthews, for their inspiration and hospitality.”