YOUNG people experienced a Night at the Museum for real.

Partly inspired by the hit films of the same name, Sharples High School took 120 pupils from year seven and eight to Birmingham's Think Tank Science Museum.

For the children it was an exciting and unusual school trip — but for teachers it was a way of inspiring the next generation of scientists and getting them excited about STEM — science, technology, engineering and maths — subjects.

The subjects are said to be vital to the economy with experts warning there is a growing skills vacuum in the sector.

Assistant headteacher and head of science Caroline Molyneux said: "Experiences like this are about getting children excited about science.

"It is very important they enjoy science and technology and it about giving children an experience they will always remember from their time at Sharples.

"I have organised trips like this at other schools I have worked at and they children really enjoy, they have seen the film and it is an experience for them."

During their Night at the Museum children enjoyed Cauldron Chemistry in which the presenter set his own hand on fire, turned candle flames green and blew up a hydrogen balloon.

They had a tour of the museum galleries, a visit to the planetarium and a Lego animations session, during which the youngsters produced their own short films complete with sound effects.

At midnight children set up camps all around the museum with some setting up their beds in the engine compartment of a 1960s steam train. Others chose a spot underneath a selection of one million year old fossils.

And the ghost of the science museum even made an appearance as teacher Mark Capaldi made use of the public address microphone to add to the atmosphere.

In the morning the pupils watched a 3D film in one of the largest IMAX cinemas in the UK.

Miss Molyneux said: "We visited the Midlands' famous safari park where pupils saw elephants, rhinos, giraffes and even a white tiger; now so endangered that they are only found in captivity.

"The trip was an absolutely fantastic experience and one that every single person who attended, both staff and pupils, will remember.

"Staff are already asking when the next one is."

Young people said they left the museum inspired.

Sally Jarvis, aged 12, said: "I have seen the film and was looking forward to it — though thought it may be a little scary.

"I didn't think much about science before but now I think it is good, my favourite part was making the film."

Mohammed Chana, aged 12, said: "It was really exciting and really fun.

"We were the only ones there.

"I really enjoyed the planetarium experience."

Logan Flynn, aged 12, added: "It was really exciting, especially the planetarium and walking though Kids City.

"It was really good sleeping at the museum."

Night at the Museum is set to become an annual tradition at the school.