Schoolchildren enjoyed a ride in a hot air balloon to get their science week off the ground.

Hampton Hill Junior School pupils watched in awe Robin Batchelor, who taught Richard Branson to fly hot air balloons, inflated the giant Aero balloon in Holly Road recreation ground.

The children and some of their teachers then enjoyed a ride in the tethered balloon on Monday, June 10, which was the start of their flight-themed science week.

Throughout the week the children have learnt about the science of forces and flight, carried out investigations and met people with flight related jobs.

They have also designed their own air powered rockets and made their own kites. Visitors to the school included Alan Ames from Eagle Heights and his birds of prey and two RAF pilots.

The science week follows Hampton Hill Junior School teacher Alison Eley winning the primary science teacher of the year award.

The national science prize from the AstraZeneca Science Teaching Trust included £1,000, which the school put towards the week’s activities.