A charity based in Millom has shifted its focus in recent weeks to inspire the next generation of young scientists.

The Millom Network Centre has been conducting a number of STEM events across the area, working alongside the Millom STEM Club.

Whilst the charity typically focuses on helping the community during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, the centre has shown through these educational visits that it has more strings to its bow.

The Mail: One kid getting in the spirit of the STEM activitiesOne kid getting in the spirit of the STEM activities (Image: Sue Dust)

Sue Dust, the Office Manager at the centre, said: "March has been an excellent, although hectic month, kicked off with a STEM weekend on March 9 and 10.

"We were delighted to welcome approximately over 110 visitors made up of parents and youngsters - the feedback and support that we received was truly heart-warming and makes everything worthwhile."

The weekend at The Pensioners Hall was spearheaded by STEM Ambassadors George Burch, Tony Dixon, Mark Whitney, Jack McPhillips and Sarah Irving, along with volunteers Tia and Angela Dixon, the centre's CEO.

The Mail: George Burch teaching the children a thing or twoGeorge Burch teaching the children a thing or two (Image: Sue Dust)

"Garden Organic came along with their wormery which had a microscope and screen showing a close-up view of the worms in their habitat.

"Activities included youngsters making air rockets which were fired with yelps of joy down the hall - the children (and some enthusiastic adults) had a great time making their own slime in a rainbow of colours before moving on to a variety of bubble experiments."

The two organisations moved onto assisting a science day at Thwaites primary school on March 14 and 15.

The Mail: Putting pedal to the metal to create electricityPutting pedal to the metal to create electricity (Image: Sue Dust)

Sue added: "The youngsters enjoyed a variety of activities comprising: making Newton Wheels, a Van der Graff generator, plasma ball, digital microscopes, and paper rockets.

"The younger children were supported by year five and six pupils which was lovely to see the interaction."

The Mail: The events allow children to have a hands-on approach to scienceThe events allow children to have a hands-on approach to science (Image: Sue Dust)

The next big project is an invitation from Millom Heritage and Arts Centre to host an interactive STEM programme over the school Summer holidays.

The STEM Club has been in operation since 2009 and relies solely on financial support from local businesses.

Sue finished by saying: "All of our past STEM Club members have taken up positions in STEM industries, apprenticeships or university places, proving that the club works."