THE Teignmouth Science Festival was 'a terrific success', say the organisers.

'We are absolutely delighted – all the weekend events were well attended, and we had great feedback,' declared Sue Blake, the director.

'We achieved the aim of offering a wide range of science related activities suitable for people of all ages and interests.'

The festival was based at the Carlton Theatre, and there was high praise for Roger Smith and the others from the Teignmouth Players who helped everything run smoothly.

'It is not fair to single out individual events for particular attention, but obviously the Any Questions broadcast was very well received, and Larissa Paver's Porthcurno telegraph exhibit was popular, and a great hit with children who loved sending morse code messages to each other.

'Dr Mike Ralls intrigued young and old with his amazing magnetic magic, and Many Voices was a huge hit. Everybody loved the songs,' Mrs Blake continued.

She also emphasised that the event helped local businesses, with the BBC team and other visitors staying in hotels and using local restaurants.

The mayor, Cllr Ian Parkes, congratulated the organisers for 'another interesting and varied festival.'

'The mayoress and I greatly enjoyed it, and the festival has now well and truly become a part of the Teignmouth calendar.

'Any Questions was a wonderful success, and the panel and chairman who joined the audience for over an hour after transmission were fulsome in their praise for the whole event.'

The festival is not quite over yet.

Tonight's showing of In The Shadow of the Moon (see page 26) at the community college, will be preceded by the college choir singing some of David Haines' popular science songs.

Full details can be had from Mrs Blake on 01626 776586.

q The youngest member of the Any Questions audience, 15 year-old Fiona Riches, said she thoroughly enjoyed the programme.

'I was the youngest there by far, but I followed the debates and got a lot out of the experience.

'I hope it will make some people realise that not all young people are yobs, and some of us can enjoy these sort of programmes – I'd love to attend something similar again,' added Fiona, who is studying GCSE photography at Teignmouth Community College, and will continue her studies at Exeter College in September.

She is pictured here (below) with panellist Kevin Maguire.