RESEARCHERS working for the Swindon-based Particle Physics, and Astronomy Research Council (PPARC) have gone to parliament.

A special event for MPs, called Taking Science to Parliament, took place yesterday.

It illustrated the range of research and development that is currently taking place in the fields of science, engineering, technology and medicine.

Dr Jon Couchman, from University College in London, presented his research on the visualisation of high-energy physics events in the new Large Hadron Collider (LHC) being built near Geneva.

The LHC will increase the knowledge of the structure of matter and the forces of nature.

Dr Sarah Dunkin from the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is involved with a key instrument onboard Smart 1, a European mission to the moon which is due to launch in July.

Dr Angela Wyatt, from University College, London is taking part in the search for the elusive Higgs Boson a sub-atomic particle that could have an effect on our understanding of fundamental physics.

Prof Ian Halliday, chief executive of PPARC, based at North Star, said: "It is encouraging to see events where young scientists can talk directly to MPs. Young researchers are one of the UK's most valuable assets."