DELIGHTED youngsters were taught about the science of life when they nurtured newly-hatched chicks.

Manningtree High School incubated the chicken eggs as part of British Science Week.

The chicks, all of which have now hatched, are being looked after by students and teachers.

Biology teacher James Pretty said this had been the most productive chick hatching day the school had ever held.

“We have had another successful year of hatching chicks at Manningtree with some of our fastest hatching chicks ever,” said Mr Pretty.

“Students have been very keen to look after them and have taken great care with handling and cleaning them every day.

“The number of students requesting to take them home has been particularly high too, they are very in demand and the students are very excited.”