OXFORD West and Abingdon MP Nicola Blackwood got up close and personal with reptiles, arthropods and a small hedgehog during a visit to an Abingdon school.

Ms Blackwood visited St Helen and St Katharine School on Friday to take part in a range of activities for National Science and Engineering Week.

Pupils have been taking part in everything from engineering spaghetti and marshmallow towers to learning about nanotechnology and black holes, as well as getting to know a little more about animals.

Ms Blackwood said: “Events like these, held as part of National Science and Engineering Week, give us all an opportunity to pause, observe and marvel at the natural world around us.

“Britain needs to encourage more talented young people to take up science and maths at university.

“St Helen and St Katharine provides students with great opportunities to properly pursue their interests.”