A science lesson reached boiling point in South Moreton as schoolchildren journeyed to the sun in an inflatable dome to learn about the giant star at the heart of the solar system.

The Sun Dome, from the UK Atomic Energy Authority's Culham Science Centre, introduced pupils at South Moreton Primary School, near Didcot, to science in the sun.

Dozens of children sat in the orange dome for the lesson with a difference.

Teacher Sue Garner said: "They were really impressed, it was really exciting. We will definitely do it again.

"The children did some drama and roleplay and then they lay on the floor of the dome and watched the nuclear fusion being projected on to the ceiling. They also learned about the planets and the solar system, as well as nuclear fusion research at Culham.

"I think it will really stick in their minds as a science lesson."

The Sun Dome lesson was used as part of the children's study of the Earth and Beyond, which is part of the National Curriculum.

Chris Warrick, of UKAEA, devised the Sun Dome. He said: "I hope the project fostered the excitement and thrill of scientific discovery among the children."