THEY say diamonds are a girl's best friend, but these students discovered how sparkling science skills can be just as valuable.

Girls from Matthew Arnold School in Botley visited labs at Element Six, which produces synthetic diamonds for practical use such as cutting and thermal conducting.

Three Year 9 students made several trips to the company's base at the Harwell Campus, near Chilton, in the past three months.

A group from Didcot Girls School also paid a visit, and chatted to some of the company's scientists.

Senior scientist Rachael Ambury said: "Element Six has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, and we were delighted to support these local schoolgirls in their pursuit of science."

"We seek to work with students in a practical, fun and engaging way."