Science and maths broadcaster Johnny Ball led the line up in a week of talks and events at Uxbridge College for National Science & Engineering Week.

Ball, who has been popularising science and maths for more than three decades, delivered Funtastic Science and Funtastic Maths talks to over 500 students.

The BAFTA-winner’s programmes have included Think of a Number, Play School, Play Away, and The Great Egg Race, he has written eight books, supplied voice-overs for major companies all over the world, and received numerous medals, awards and honorary doctorates.

The line-up of events at Uxbridge College for National Science & Engineering Week also included: • Crime Scene Investigation workshop by Steve Gaskin former Scotland Yard Detective Chief Inspector • A presentation on women in science and engineering by Petra Gratton from Brunel University • Talks on careers in biomedical science by Brunel’s Dr David Tree and on medicine by representatives from Imperial College School of Medicine • Guest speaker on CERN, Professor Akram Khan from Brunel • Speaker on computing and maths from Brunel • Competition to build a bridge out of paper • Chess Competition • Science and Engineering Quiz Students from across the college took part including those on A level and GCSE courses, and BTEC National Diplomas in science and engineering.

Dr Alastair Mullins, Head of the Academy, Uxbridge College’s sixth form centre, said: “National Science & Engineering Week is the perfect time to put these subjects at the top of the agenda across the whole college.

“This week’s activities have highlighted the huge range of skills and opportunities on offer in this area – and also how much fun you can have with them.

“We were delighted to welcome Johnny Ball who has been inspiring people about maths and science for more than 30 years – he certainly inspired us here at Uxbridge College.

“Last year’s study by the Royal Academy of Engineering said 100,000 Science, Technology and Engineering (STEM) graduates were needed a year by industry to ensure Britain maintained its competitive edge, so students in this area know they are in an excellent position when it comes to jobs.”

National Science & Engineering Week is run by the British Science Association and aims to boost interest in science, maths and engineering.