PUPILS got a taste of laboratory life as part of scheme looking to encourage youngsters towards a career in science, technology, engineering or maths.

Ten students from Chelmer Valley High School have been getting work experience at global research and development company Battelle UK in Springfield.

The group from the school in Broomfield have spent one afternoon at the company's laboratory to help carry out chemical experiments and tests.

Essex County Council has been running the Government-backed mentoring scheme.