A MARINE school has launched in St Lawrence to give children a chance to get hands on with science.

The classes are being run by St Lawrence resident, Jacqui Monk, a marine biologist.

Since moving to the area Jacqui has run a number of educational nature activities to get children in the village interested in looking after the environment.

The latest, the Marine School, launched last weekend welcoming children between the ages of six and 18 with the aim of giving children an opportunity to get hands on.

The sessions will focus on surveying, map skills, conservation, identifying animals, sailing and more.

Jacqui explained: “When I was younger there was nothing around for me to learn scientific skills and get experience in that field. I always had an interest in marine biology, but nowhere to practice it.

“I wanted to set something up, an outside classroom, where children could come along and try their hands at proper science.

“The parents I have spoken to in St Lawrence have said that there needs to be more in the area to keep the children occupied and give them something to get involved in. Hopefully that is what we are providing with the marine school.

“The children are loving being hands on with nature, and the responses I have gotten from previous sessions has been fantastic.”

The classes run every Saturday and Sunday. Morning sessions are for six to 13-year-olds between 9am and 11pm, and 11pm and 1pm.

Afternoon sessions aimed at those aged between 14 and 18 run from 1pm until 4pm.

Places for the morning session cost £10, while its £15 for a place in the afternoon session.

To book a place, or find out more, email themerinstitute@gmail.com.