YOUNGSTERS from a York primary school have spent a day doing ‘grown-up’ science in university labs.

Year 5 children from Clifton Green School were invited to the University of York as part of the York Cares Inspiring Minds scheme, which aims to inspire pupils by linking real-life experiences with their learning.

The children spent a whole day experiencing university life and working in state of the art biology labs alongside staff and degree-level students.

During the day they pretended to be forensic detectives, doing exciting activities such as analysing DNA.

John Hattam, community liaison officer at Clifton Green, said: “All of the children had a great day.

“It was a terrific opportunity for them to gain an insight into what scientists do and experience life doing a real job.”

Inspiring Minds is an employee volunteering project that seeks to enrich childhood and make a difference in the community by promoting a love of learning and giving an insight into the world of work.

Georgia Gibbons, volunteering project officer at York Cares, said: “It’s fantastic to see local employees giving something back and inspiring the next generation.”

York Cares is a partnership between York employers, which is committed to making the city a better place through employee volunteering.

Its schemes include skills sharing, helping older people to stay connected, a volunteering programme to address the community’s needs, as well as various programmes for children of all ages to gain practical work experience.

Clifton Green in Kingsway North in Clifton has about 400 pupils and as The Press reported in January, head teacher Dave Brown, claimed Ofsted inspectors who said his York school "requires improvement" failed to capture its true essence.