Children and their families were given a first hand glimpse of the work of some of the 2,700 scientists which make Norwich such an important scientific centre in the world - and of how the subject does not have to be boring.

The John Innes Centre, Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Geonome Analysis Centre, Norwich Astronomical Society and University of East Anglia (UEA) were just a handful of the organisations with stands at Science in Norwich Day.

The event, held on Saturday, saw thousands of people flock through the doors of the Forum and on to Millennium Plain where they observed and took part in a raft of weird and wonderful experiments.

Dee Rawsthorne, outreach co-ordinator for the John Innes Centre and Institute of Food Research, who helped organise Science in Norwich Day, said the event was aimed at making people proud of the science that is so important to the city.

Dr Rawsthorne said: 'There's more than 2,000 scientists working in Norwich and the main thing is we just want to make people proud of what's in Norwich - it's one of the best scientific centres in the world and not many people know that.'

Families attending the Forum were able to talk to some of the scientists and hear first hand about their work as well as taking part in a range of fun-filled activities.

Dr Rawsthorne said: 'It's not just for brainy nerds - science is for everyone.'

Hayley Mileham, 29, from Great Yarmouth was at the event with her daughter Daisy, seven. She said: 'It was really interesting; Daisy enjoyed it.'

Jit Thacker, 42, from north Norwich, attended the event with his daughter Hazel, 13, and Dan, 11. He said: 'I think it's more for the younger people, but I still enjoyed it.'