PUPILS from Parkend Primary School were the first to get hands on with a new science resource at a hi-tech plant in Cinderford.

The ScienceXperience at BASF metals recycling was officially opened by Chair of Cinderford Town Council Cllr Chris Witham.

BASF UK’s Vice President Thomas Birk was also welcomed to the facility in Valley Road and joined in experiments that demonstrated precious metals refining and sound insulation.

A plaque was unveiled at the site, which recovers rare metals from catalytic convertors from scrapped cars, to commemorate the occasion.

Site Manager, Chris Turner said: "We were excited to invite 30 pupils from Parkend Primary School, provide a site tour and support a series of scientific experiments that demonstrate some of the work we do here at our plant and other sites around the UK.

"It was great to meet teachers, teaching assistants and students from one of our neighbouring schools and to see how enthusiastic the children were during the visit.

"The team here at Cinderford is passionate about inspiring young people into science and I hope by offering this as a resource to local schools we will be able to encourage the next generation of scientists."

Cllr Witham said: "It was excellent to be at the launch and to see how engaged all the students were. BASF’s facility is a real asset to the town and it is great to see young people being encouraged to explore scientific job opportunities right on our door step.

"I have never visited such a clean industrial facility and the commitment to high standards was evident thorough out the visit."

Dr Leigh Hoath of Leeds Trinity University who has worked closely with BASF to establish the ScienceXperience programme said: "It’s important that the experiments are linked to the national curriculum and are supported with activities designed to explore scientific investigation skills and methods.

"The ScienceXperience supports teachers and students with ideas for pre- and post-work to ensure that the learning is just as memorable as the visit."