Music representing the sequencing of DNA, playing 'Who wants to be a Millionaire' and learning about work at the cutting edge of technology, were just some of the ingredients which made up the interesting and inspiring Pembrokeshire Darwin Science Festival Christmas lecture presented by international scientist Dr. Ken Mills from University of Wales, College of Medicine, Cardiff, on Friday.

Dr. Mills, who spoke about his work developing new therapies for treating leukaemias to almost 200 Pembrokeshire students, said that he hoped they would be inspired about science. This, he said, was what he hoped they would take away from the lecture and was potentially more important to him than them learning about the causes of cancers and potential new therapies.

Promoting the public understanding of science and health is the aim of the Darwin Science Festival and is also an important aspect of Dr. Mills' work. Learning about the therapies of an international standard being developed by Dr. Mills and his team in Wales perfectly fitted in with the Darwin ethos of bringing cutting edge science into everyday life.

Dr. Mills presented the schools lecture 'Why changing genes is bad for you' at Narberth's Queen's Hall to students from The Greenhill School, Tenby; Ysgol y Preseli, Crymych; Ysgol Bro Gwaun, Fishguard; Milford Haven School and Pembrokeshire College. He stayed in the county to present a public lecture in the evening at the same venue.

Jules Rilestone, secondary science advisory teacher with the LEA, now works closely with Darwin, liaising with schools promoting their educational programme.

"Darwin brings us world class science in an exciting, interesting and down-to-earth manner," he said.

SETPOINT Wales and Narberth and Whitland Rotary Club supported the schools lecture.

Spokesman for the local Rotary Club, Sue Allen, said that there were a lot of worthy causes, but that they had decided to give the money to Darwin because they saw their educational work as 'an investment in the future'.

She added that the Tenby Players had helped raise the money at a 'Murder Mystery' evening when they had given their time free of charge.