SCHOOL pupils visited defence specialist QinetiQ for a "hands on" science day.

The youngsters from Hanley Castle High School visited the firm's Malvern site and enjoyed activities devised by experts from various departments.

They tackled tasks including programming robots and rescuing trapped astronauts, and were shown some of the hi-tech devices developed at the site.

Hanley students were named the winners out of the five schools taking part in the event, being rewarded with goody bags and vouchers.

Di Hawkins, STEM leader at Hanley Castle High School, said: "It was a brilliant day with varied and interesting hands on science activities devised and run by the experts at QinetiQ.

"It was made even better by the students from HCHS beating the four other schools taking part to get first place and winning goody bags and vouchers for their efforts."

Student, Kieran Sagu, said: "My experience at QinetiQ was extraordinary."