Maths greatest unsolved problems have been mulled over by Gloucestershire school children.

The topic featured as part of the 11th Annual Gloucestershire Schools' Christmas Lectures which returned this month after a three year absence.

Held at the Bacon Theatre in Dean Close School they were attended by 500 pupils from 18 schools across the county .

They listened to presentations from two leading lecturers with the aim of helping them appreciate the relevance of science in any future career.

Katie Steckles talked about the questions that leave even the most brilliant mathematicians stumped, from simple-sounding number and shape problems to truly mind-bending fundamental concepts.

Science songwriter and Physics teacher, Jonny Berliner spoke about the dynamics of energy, introducing pupils to figures from history such as Marie Curie and James Joule. The young audience played real-life Angry Birds, found out how much energy is stored in their bodies and danced along to his SciTunes.

The lectures help address the ongoing concern around skills shortages and the need to produce and retain more scientists and engineers.

This year's lectures are promoted by the Honourable Company of Gloucestershire, a body of members from all walks of life that support business, education, sport, community interests and the arts.

They were sponsored by Renishaw plc, Spirax Sarco plc, Harrison Clark Rickerbys, Solicitors and the Royal Society of Chemistry, Bristol and District Section.