AN internationally acclaimed Science Museum was set to 'blow' minds across six Cumbrian schools with a special extravaganza.

The event, which featured its freezing Super Cool Show, was brought to the schools around the county by the University of Cumbria in a bid to encourage more students to study science to A-Level and beyond.

Vice Chancellor Julie Mennell says that there are shortages of science and engineering graduates in the county and that jobs in these fields are set to grow at double the rate of other occupations in the coming years.

The roadshow hosted a range of exciting experiments for the pupils as the Science Museum turned to liquid nitrogen for special effects, including freezing bananas and inflating balloons at lightening speed.

Professor Mennell said: "We want our young people to know that they can study science subjects to a higher level on their doorstep without leaving the county.

"Our focus as science higher education champion in the region is to open school children’s eyes to the possibilities available to them right here in Cumbria and to make the path to a science degree as smooth as possible.

"We have invested £3.5 million in new science laboratories and expanded our science portfolio to help meet the region’s needs, offering programmes that excite and enthuse pupils."

Aimed at pupils in year 7, 8 and 9 the show has been at Queen Elizabeth School in Kirkby Lonsdale and Queen Katherine School in Kendal. The roadshow has also ventured out to William Howard School, Brampton, Ullswater Community College in Penrith and Keswick School.