FIVE students have demonstrated their brilliance at biology to help their school win a national science contest.

The pupils from Blackburn's Westholme School triumphed at the British Biology Olympiad which saw 1,500 students across the UK tested on their biology knowledge in tough two hour exams.

Anna Anderson, from Wycoller; Neelam Hassan, of Dickens Street, Blackburn; Sameera Abas from Lammack, Blackburn; and Fatema Patel, of Bicknell Street, Blackburn, all 17, got such good scores they were awarded gold medals.

Zaria Ali, 18, from Clayton-le-Dale, was also a top performer, picking up a silver medal in the tests which challenge students on subjects ranging from evolution to anatomy.

It meant their school was the overall winner of the Institute of Biology's competition aimed at enquiring young biological minds.

After shining in additional exams for gold medalists, Neelam and Anna are now one test away from representing England in an international version of the event in Saskatoon, Canada.

The event from July 15 to 22 will see biology boffins test the cream of young scientists from 60 countries. The girls are on a short-list of 12 and will be vying for one of four places during practical tests at Birmingham University next month.

Neelam said: "We're both really excited especially as we'll have the opportunity to perform more unusual experiments."

Delighted head of biology Anne Mooney said: "Science provides the discoveries that underpin the technology that powers today's society. Its study in school is increasingly important, as it is essential that students understand the concepts involved to carry forward into their adult lives."

The borough's executive member for children's services, Coun Maureen Bateson, said her schools tried to make science "interesting and fun for young people so they could learn its value and importance in everyday life."

Projects range from employing advanced skills teachers who help staff with science development to after-school science clubs. Primary school pupils also take part in the council's science challenge.

Schools in Ribble Valley, Rossendale, Burnley, Pendle and Hyndburn are also having their eyes opened to science through workshops organised by Set-point Lancashire where the county's businesses give children a flavour of how science is used in different jobs.