ONE of Britain's best-selling science authors, Nick Arnold, visited youngsters at George Ward School, in Melksham, to reveal a gruesome side of science.

Spreading the message that science is cool, the award-winning author of Ugly Bugs And Blood thrilled the children with gory tales, experiments, quizzes and jokes based on his Horrible Science books.

Moving away from traditional science lessons, Mr Arnold introduced the children to horribly funny scientific occurrences, letting them participate and see the strange happenings for themselves.

A skilled performer, Mr Arnold delivered a captivating interactive display that started with a bucket full of water being swung quickly around the children's heads, demonstrating the force of gravity.

The all-day show created quite a stir and even the girls, who typically avoid science subjects, were happy to be involved.

History teacher David Bouault said: "All the children were actively involved in the experiments.

"The library was full after the show with children buying signed copies of the Horrible Science books and we will be using more of his books in the future."