Schoolchildren jumped for joy as they watched a rocket soar through the air as part of an annual science and technology day.

Pupils from 12 primary schools were invited to take part in yesterday’s event at Woodlands School in Alban Crescent, Borehamwoood.

Beryl Boaden, who was organising the activities on behalf of Set Point Hertfordshire, showed the children how to make their very own paper rockets.

She said: “We start of by telling them a bit about the history of the rockets, looking at their shape and aerodynamics. Then the children get to make their own rockets. It’s about making science and technology fun."

Once all the rockets were made, the children took them outside to see how far they would fly through the air.

Nine-year-old Molly Harris from Clore Shalom School said: “I’ve really enjoyed making my rocket and testing it. My rocket went all the way down the field – it was very good."

Harry Pollecutt, nine, from Parkside Community Primary School, said: “It’s been really fun learning how to set up my own rocket – mine went really far.”

Once everyone had tested their paper rockets, the children watched as a bigger rocket was let off high into the sky powered by compressed air.

The event was sponsored by Elstree and Borehamwood Rotary Club and was attended by the Borehamwood & Elstree Town Council Mayor, Clive Butchins.