PUPILS from schools around the region converged on University of York for a day of colourful chemistry.

More than 56 students from 14 schools around the region had a fun-filled day of chemistry at the Salters' Festival Of Chemistry at the University of York yesterday.

Two of the schools travelled from Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire to join in the fun.

Each school was represented by a team of four 11 to 13-year-olds.

The event was organised in partnership with the Royal Society of Chemistry.

Its aim was to make chemistry more exciting, more relevant and fun to students aged 11 to 13 years and to encourage schools to set up their own chemistry clubs.

During the morning, the teams took part in a competitive, hands-on, practical activity, A Salty Tale in which they used their analytical chemistry skills.

In the afternoon, they competed in University Challenge, a practical activity chosen by the university, in which they were required to use their knowledge of chemistry to create a range of coloured paints using limited resources.

This was followed by a demonstration lecture, Colourful Chemistry, by Dr Annie Hodgson.

The day ended with a prize giving at which all participants were given individual fun prizes and participation certificates, and the winning teams were awarded cash prizes for their schools.

Cash prizes for the winning schools totalled £350 and all participants received prizes and certificates.

The festival of chemistry is an initiative of The Salters' Institute, whose aim is to promote the appreciation of chemistry and related sciences among the young.

The Salters' Company is one of the Great Twelve City of London Livery Companies and was founded in 1394 for the medieval trade in salt - but the company's activities today are centred on charitable and educational giving.

The festival at the University of York is one of a series of 55 such events, taking place at universities throughout the UK and the Republic of Ireland between March and June.