PUPILS from Oakfield Primary School got the opportunity to handle samples of moon rocks and meteorites.

These rare samples were provided free of charge by the Science and Technology Facilities Council who provide educational packs to inspire young people to get involved in science and complement classroom studies.

The pack provided by STFC includes a 1.2 billion-year-old piece of Mars rock and a 4.3 billion-year-old nickel meteorite.

The packs have been recently updated to also include a new meteorite hunters kit, new teacher planning pack and exciting new web-based resources and online support videos for all age groups.

STFC’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Brian Bowsher, said: “We are thrilled to be able to offer this unique opportunity to young people. It is not often they will be able to see close-up, and actually touch, such important fragments of science history.

“Samples like these are vital in teaching us more about our solar system, allowing us to turning theories into fact. We hope this experience will encourage the students to take up a career in science.”