YOUNG Einsteins in Bolton took part in some explosive events to celebrate Manchester Science Week.

They attended demonstrations at the University of Bolton to discover the science behind dust explosions, chip pan fires and fireworks.

Pupils also tackled the forces of nature on the university's climbing wall — and found out which foods give the most energy.

For the fifth year running university staff, together with Bolton Museum, held a joint event where young people could meet real scientists and engineers.

Dr Gill Smart from the University of Bolton’s Institute for Materials Research and Innovation, leads the university’s partnership with the Science Festival.

She said: "The festival has grown in Bolton over the years and we are attracting increasing numbers at our events.

"We have had old favourites this year like Messy Science and Flashes and Bangs but also like to try new events like Conquer the Wall which attracted several teenagers.

"Our collaboration with Bolton Museum has seen both of our Handy Science events attract a lot of children and their parents.

The children love all the events we do and enjoy being creative and thinking about the science behind the activities.

"It’s hard to pin point one highlight but the explosions during Flashes and Bangs always go down well and our new event Conquer the Wall was a great hit."

Youngsters also discovered how easy it was to build small structures with spaghetti and marshmallows.

Dr Smart added: "I wanted the children and the adults to come away from our events thinking science is interesting and fun and is something they could study. It can be challenging at times but is a good career to follow. We always need scientists and engineers."