WAYS to have fun with technology and get a start in the world of work featured in a special Furness day of advice and experiments to help mark National Science Week.

The Mail, on Monday, March 18 in 2002, noted: "Four schools in Barrow discovered the magic of science at a special hands-on activity day.

"Science at The Dock saw dozens of children from year eight take part in a series of exciting activities.

"The event was organised by the Furness Education Business Partnership as part of National Science Week and was well supported by BNFL and Oxley Developments.

"Students from Furness College were also on hand to show pupils what careers are available in the construction world."

Event co-ordinator Sam Stretch said: "This has been just as successful as last year.

"We have some really positive feedback.

"We really appreciate all the support that the businesses offer us."

Children visiting the event were given a range of exercises to take part in, with props from BNFL which are used in the Science Challenge sponsored by the company.

BNFL external affairs officer Bernie Coombe said: "We are pleased to be able to support schools in the Barrow area.

"The children can really get involved and work together."

Students from Furness were at the event to help and explain to pupils what they could learn at the college.

HND building studies student Stephen O'Conner said: "We're showing them surveying skills and giving them a brief idea of what we do."

The article noted: "The youngsters were also shown the importance of science by Ulverston firm Oxley Developments which showed the children night vision goggles used by the RAF and a cockpit simulation unit."

Oxley's sales and marketing manager Lisa Hudson said: "We like to show the children how science actually works in the real world.

"They are all very keen to learn about how science can be used out of school."

Michael Webster, aged 12, of Parkview School, Barrow, said: "I'm enjoying it. The surveying part is the best but it's all good."

The displays were back in March 2003 with involvement from BAE Systems, BNFL, the Construction Industry Training Board and Oxley Developments.