The life-saving science of pathology was explored during an education event at Norwich's Millennium Library.

Although pathology is often associated with forensics and crime investigations, visitors to The Forum today were shown its role in diagnosing and treating a range of illnesses.

Children studied mocked-up samples in Petri dishes under microscopes, while cellular scientists explained how biopsies and body tissues could be studied to identify diseases and prescribe antibiotics.

Dr Caroline Barker, a consultant microbiologist at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, said: 'Everybody thinks pathology is about what they see on TV in Silent Witness or CSI, but we are trying to show that it is integrally involved in diagnosing and treating diseases. It is not just about cutting up bodies and solving murders.

'We are showing people the sort of samples you get and how we process them in the laboratories, and how we use them to help your doctor treat your infection or illness. People have been really interested, particularly the children who are studying biology at school.

Displays also looked into haematology and blood transfusions as well as a range of other sciences carried out every day at the N&N hospital and the Norwich Research Park at Colney.

The day was complemented with a series of talks in The Curve auditorium at The Forum, with speakers including William Armstrong on his work as Norfolk's coroner, Dr Laszlo Igali on how the skin works and Dr Samir Dervisevic on the Norovirus hospital bug.