SILSDEN children were among school pupils who helped find Paddington Bear after he was stolen.

The pupils from Hothfield Junior School had to become forensic scientists to follow the clues to the famous bear.

They were among children from South Craven School’s feeder primaries who took part in a day of CSI-related science work.

James Procter, head of Hothfield School, said the day was aimed at promoting high-level thinking in science.

He said: “Our budding year five had to discover who stole Paddington! Our two teams were full of great questions and eager to solve the clues.

“They learned about chromatography, fingerprints, using a microscope and how to identify elements by burning them in a bunsen burner.”

Liz Woolley, head of science and maths at South Craven School, in Cross Hills, organised the day and invited eight pupils each from seven South Craven primary schools.

Students at South Craven, led by drama teacher Jason Evens, acted out the scenarios watched by the younger children.

The primary children then went to South Craven’s science labs to carry out experiments on the forensic material they found at the crime scene.

They eventually came up with a culprit – Aunty Joan.