PADIHAM schoolchildren were reaching for the stars after a lecture from one of the region's top astronomers.

Award-winning stargazer Adam Whittaker visited Shuttleworth College to talk about subjects including the Hubble Space Telescope.

His talk, entitled Hubble's Greatest Hits, included a virtual tour of the universe and a question and answer session with students and parents.

Mr Whittaker said: "I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Shuttleworth College. The questions suggested a high level of engagement and perhaps I have inspired a few young astronomers.”

Year nine student Henry Kane said he was gripped by the explanation of how black holes affect time and saiid he now wants to be the first person to explain dark matter.

Caroline Price, the Burnley Road school's science enrichment co-ordinator, said: "It was absolutely fantastic. The images were breath-taking and the students are still talking about it.

“They have an insight into the challenges of modern astronomy and are all keen to make the next big discovery."

Another pupil, Lizi Davies, added: "I really enjoyed it, it was absolutely fascinating and I learnt so much."