SECRETS of the Second World War Dambusters raid were revealed to young mathematicians during a workshop at Southampton University.

Pupils from schools across Fareham and Gosport found out how renowned war-time mathematician and engineer Barnes Wallis worked out how to bounce a bomb on water and destroy vital dams.

The youngsters, aged 13 and 14, were taking part in a day of maths workshops organised by the university's Further Mathematics Centre.

Organiser Keith Jones said: "We try to get those pupils who are interested in and motivated by mathematics along to these events and hope that it will help to persuade them to take maths-related topics when they go on to higher education.

"It is about letting them see that mathematics can be a sexy and interesting topic that is worth pursuing. They are in small groups and the sessions are very hands-on and interactive."

Schools which took part included Cams Hill School, Fareham; Crofton School, Stubbington; Bay House School, Gosport; Brune Park Community College, Gosport; Brookfield Community School, Sarisbury Green; Neville Lovett Community School, Fareham; and Henry Cort Community College, Fareham.