A scientific collaboration between academics and industry has been given a boost after one of the county's university's signed up as a major sponsor.

The Community Lab at the Discovery Park - the former home of drug giant Pfizer in Sandwich - is designed to inspire children into following scientific careers.

Backed by Pfizer, which retains a presence on the site, educational charity STEM Learning and Discovery Park, it has now seen Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) become a sponsor.

Mayer Schreiber, CEO of Discovery Park said: “This wonderful scheme allows children to come in and catalyse their learning with the support of Pfizer and other scientists working on site.

"There has always been a strong STEM skills base in the local area, and the Community Lab is part of our commitment to maintain and grow that base. This will provide a talented work force for the kinds of jobs available at Discovery Park and elsewhere in the region, and we thank everyone involved for their support.”

Professor Rama Thirunamachandran, vice-chancellor of CCCU, added: “As a university we are strong supporters of widening access to educational opportunites for our local communitites and this project will offer local schoolchildren the chance to discover and develop an interest in the important STEM subjects.”

Cllr Mark Dance, cabinet member for economic development at Kent County Council, said: “These partnerships really make a difference to the area and the future of our next generation.”