CLOUDS stayed away so students in Banbury could get a really close look at the stars.

Space Studio Banbury held an open observatory evening for pupils to give them the chance to use telescopes and find out more about what goes on in the vast depths of space.

It was organised to celebrate World Space Week from October 4 to October 10.

About 40 to 50 people attended the event last Thursday, including parents and other members of the public.

Student Natt Donaldson, 17, said: “The weather was so clear outside, which is obviously not something you expect in England.

“The telescopes were amazing, looking at the stars through them really does seem to put everything in perspective.”

Guest speaker Dr Helen Walker, from the National Space Academy, gave a speech on infrared astronomy and the latest developments in Mars exploration.

Organiser Hayley Flood said: “This was our first event like this and we’ve had a really good turnout.

“The evening went well and luckily the sky was clear enough for us to use our telescopes.”

The secondary school in Ruskin Road specialises in space, maths and science.

The next open evening will be held on November 19.