Thousands of schoolchildren were left inspired after a science and engineering fair.

The Big Bang Fair was held at the Tank Museum in Bovington and saw 2,000 youngsters take part in hands-on exhibits, interactive workshops and theatre shows, and also to speak with professionals.

The fair, organised by Dorset County Council, is part of a UK programme of events aimed at inspiring children interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths, also called STEM subjects.

Around 30 local and national businesses were represented at the fair, showcasing a wide range of STEM-related careers information.

Two competitions were held during the day encouraging the children to show off their skills.

Older schoolchildren took part in an innovation contest while the younger ones designed responsibly-sourced lunchboxes.

Attendees were also wowed by the display of vehicles and technology that helped win wars to keep people free.

Richard Smith, the museum’s director, said: “The Big Bang Fair is a great way to showcase the possibilities that STEM subjects can offer children.

“The vehicles and objects we have at the Tank Museum exemplify the kind of innovation that is possible when these subjects are put to good use.”

The Tank Museum at Bovington holds the national collection of tanks and brings the story of tanks and tank crews to life.

Cllr Andrew Parry, Dorset County Council’s Cabinet member for Education, Learning and Skills said: “We are very proud to be part of the first STEM event of its kind in the county.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get hands-on with Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths. The wide variety of activities and exhibitors was sure to ignite imaginations and inspire Dorset’s minds of tomorrow.

“We are grateful to the Tank Museum for hosting Big Bang 2019 – a venue rich with history, education and innovation – and giving young people a taste of what a career in this industry could be like.”

Sponsors of the event were Superior Seals, Dorset Councils Partnership, Southern Universities Network, Careers & Enterprise Company and Dorset County Council.

n This week is British Science Week, celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths.

Tomorrow, the Dorchester Family Science Festival will be held at the Corn Exchange from 1pm-5pm. Free entry.