PUPILS were given an insight into the world of engineering at a dedicated festival.

Hosted by MP for North West Hampshire Kit Malthouse and neighbouring MP Richard Benyon, the event took place on November 9.

Eighteen businesses gave practical advice, hands-on talk to around 400 students from secondary schools across the constituency and west Berkshire.

Mr Malthouse said: “The science, technology and engineering industry in North West Hampshire is thriving and we are fortunate to have many businesses doing exciting things from robotic packing for online shopping deliveries to making fighter jet and submarine parts.

"If we are to remain a hot spot for designing, making and building things locally and across the country, we need to make sure we have access to homegrown skills and talent.

"That’s why I’m proud to have co-hosted the Festival of Engineering which was attended by some 400 school children. It was a jam packed day and I hope they’ll be inspired to think about a career in engineering - especially girls who are massively under-represented in the industry.”

The event was hosted at mechanical engineering firm Xtrac in Thatcham.