BUDDING scientists from a city college were able to escape the classroom and gain hands-on experience in the field.

PolymerLatex welcomed a group of 17 and 18-year-olds studying A-level chemistry at Worcester Sixth Form College, in Spetchley Road.

Alongside teacher Margaret Coles, the students enjoyed a tour of the company's Stoke Prior site, witnessing first hand the processes used to turn raw materials into latex, and then into items such as rubber gloves and carpets.

"This is just one example of how the company contributes to the education of future scientists," said PolymerLatex training co-ordinator Carol Rogers.

Mrs Cole, head of physical science at the college added: "Visiting the chemical industry is one of the units of the A-level course so it's great that we can use a local company.

"What impressed the students most was all the safety procedures. They hear me every day telling them to wear their goggles and be careful, but now they can actually appreciate how this relates to real safety issues."