BUDDING scientists and engineers at a school in Didcot were in awe as local space scientists showed off their latest inventions.

Pupils at St Birinus School were taken out of this world by staff from Harwell's Oxford Space Systems as they demonstrated the AstroTube Max deployable boom and their large unfurlable antenna.

Fifteen-year-old Harry Clare said: "When I was watching the presentation it really intrigued me. I decided that I would like to try and get an apprenticeship to improve and help my engineering skills. It got me thinking and very involved."

Richard Mangion, 14, added: "I thought that it was a great presentation on space engineering, it answered a lot of questions I had previously on space and I learnt a lot. They answered all of our questions really well."

The presentation, given by CEO Mike Lawton and employee Shefali Sharma aimed to engage the year 10 engineering students and pupils from younger years studying the subject.

Rich Hudson and Andy Leech, teachers at the school's engineering department, organised the visit.

Mr Hudson said: "An enlightening and inspiring presentation given by Mike Lawton of Oxford Space Systems,oOur students were captivated and asking very high level and expansive questions. We look forward to working with them in the future."