YOUNGSTERS took part in a morning of science experiments as links were further developed between a village school and company.

Year-four pupils from Sutton Community Primary School explored a range of questions, from how blubber works to how penguins stay dry, and discovered more about the water cycle.

It was the second year that Airedale Chemical, in Cross Hills, had invited children to visit the site to see science in action.

An introductory talk was given and an interactive video demonstrated a product’s ‘journey’.

Experiments were led by the manufacturer’s team of chemists, health and safety and marketing managers and operations director.

The 30 pupils were also given a tour of the facilities and had the chance to sit in one of the company’s lorries.

Airedale Chemical is striving to encourage an interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects amongst children from a young age.

“Encouraging that interest is increasingly important and we were delighted to invite the pupils to take part in experiments and learn more about chemistry’s role in the real world,” said the firm’s managing director, Chris Chadwick.

“The children were all incredibly engaged and welcome guests.”

Dave Horton, year-four teacher at the school, said he was delighted with the link-up.

He added: “We were thrilled to continue our relationship with Airedale Chemical and take the current year-four class to see science in action.

“It’s so important that businesses have initiatives such as this to help inspire children and relate learnings back to the classroom.

“The children haven’t stopped talking about the visit and everything they learned!”

The session followed on from a visit to the school by Airedale Chemical research and development chemist, Madeline Lofthouse, who spoke to pupils during their Skills and Enterprise Week about careers in chemistry.