Volcanoes, corn starch, owls and electricity were just some of the varied experiments shown off by pupils at a science fair.

Gearies Primary School in Waremead Road, Gants Hill, hosted the event for the second year running, with children from all year groups creating innovative and exciting science projects to display to visiting parents.

Headteacher Bob Drew said: “The children were very impressive – they spoke with confidence and knowledge about their experiments.

“It was really good as all the classes had chosen something different to do so there were no duplicates.

“We are very serious about promoting science and the fair also shows how much fun it can be. It’s a nice way of giving it a higher profile.”

More than 700 pupils took part, filling the school’s two halls which were packed out with visiting family and friends.

Experiments included home-made volcanoes, a project about owls, a heart-rate test and growing seeds to show plant lifestyles.

“Some of the experiments were very messy,” added Mr Drew.