STUDENTS from two secondary schools in Worcester were in attendance for a special event celebrating innovation.

The pupils from Christopher Whitehead Language College and Bishop Perowne Church of England College were among those to attend the Next Generation Innovators Day, which uses interactive science and technology to engage with 13 to 15-year-old students.

In its sixth year, the event is part of the Malvern Festival of Innovation and is open to all high schools in Worcestershire.

Worcester City Council contributed £1,000 towards the cost of the event, which took place on Tuesday, October 3, at the Three Counties Showground, held in a bid to encourage more young people in the area to opt for a career in science, technology, engineering or maths.

Councillor Lucy Hodgson, chairman of the place and economic sub committee at Worcester City Council, said: "A key objective for the city council is to ensure that Worcester has a highly skilled workforce, which is well equipped for employment in sectors such as engineering, cyber security and IT.

“We want to ensure that well-paid jobs are available locally in these critical growth sectors.”

Adrian Burden, festival director, said: “We are very grateful for the council’s support this year, and to the many Worcester-based businesses who regularly exhibit, including Worcester Bosch, Mazak and Komatsu.

“We’ve had students from four Worcester schools here today, and hope that all the schools can make it next year.”