A STRANGE phenomenon has occurred across the land - teenage boys are starting to become interested in science.

It's not because of changes to the National Curriculum but Dr Alice Roberts.

The flame haired Alice - part Lara Croft part Toyah - is currently on a one-woman crusade to get the nation healthy.

Her series on BBC2, Don't Die Young, has so far seen her abseiling, conquering her fear of spiders and last night climbing a 250 foot cliff blindfolded.

First seen with a trowel in her hand among the boffins and mud on Time Team and more latterly walking around Britain in Coast, Dr Alice is on course to become the modern face of TV science, which will no doubt please her legions of admirers among the teenage fraternity.

The great thing about Don't Die Young is that it manages to be both entertaining and informative. No doubt there are some who will snootily claim that it is dumbing down' the medical sciences but that is to miss the point.

By looking at one particular part of the body each week, and doing it in a non preaching manner, Dr Alice is raising awareness of issues ranging from taking more exercise to diabetes.

Because she isn't your typical science presenter - all pullovers and technical jargon - she's a breath of fresh air.

So let's have much more of Dr Alice.