EVER wondered what glow sticks have to do with rhubarb? If so you really should have been at the Yorkshire Air Museum last week, because chemists were on hand to show exactly what goes on inside those little light filled tubes.

The event on Thursday was one of the workshops at Inspirations 2015, York's biggest event to showcase Science Technology Engineering and Maths (STEM) in education and work.

This was the 18th consecutive year the event was held at the air museum in Elvington and included more than 30 hands on activities for students provided by employers, colleges, universities and other STEM partners.

Meanwhile North Yorkshire schools presented some 120 projects with the overall winner being Nestlé apprentice and York College student Calum Finn who was awarded the George Cayley Trophy.

The event was organised and run by North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership. Sue Gradwell, its chief executive, says Inspirations is not only an opportunity for local employers, further and higher education colleges to promote the opportunities they have on offer, it is also a great opportunity for students to show their skill, creativity and enthusiasm.

York Press:

James Stacey from Filey goes eye-to-eye with a snake at one of the Askham Bryan College workshops.

"STEM subjects are critical to the success of our economy both locally and nationally," says Sue. "This event demonstrates so well how these subjects studied at school and college can lead to some of the most exciting career opportunities.

"The best thing about Inspirations is that it’s also fun and a great chance to celebrate the success of students."