THE race is on to find the country's best young science brains and Bolton schoolchildren are being invited to take part.

The Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) has announced the launch of its annual Science Race programme for schools with a host of on-line activities including a science quiz, web building contest and even debates in cyber-space.

Round one of the quiz will be held on Friday, March 16, to herald the beginning of National Science Week. The second round is on the following Friday. The quiz gives secondary pupils between 11 and 16 the chance to pit their wits against the clock in the biggest real-time Internet science event for UK schools. More than 400 schools registered for the event last year and more are expected this year.

Schools should register on the Science Race web-site www.epsrc-sciencerace.net as soon as possible. More details about the event are also available on the website.