PUPILS from the Cherwell School in Oxford got a chance to study the planets when they visited Rutherford Appleton Laboratory.

They were among pupils from 13 Oxfordshire schools who visited the laboratory at Harwell Oxford science park on Wednesday, as part of a county science day.

Among 80 pupils and teachers taking part was Ilana Cope, from Oxford, from Year Seven at Cherwell School, who got the chance to examine a cockroach.

Lauren Mowberry, 21, from Didcot, works for the Science and Technology Facilities Council, and helped to host the event.

She said: “The children really love the planet-painting. It’s a good way to teach them about science in a fun way.”