BRIGHT sparks at Lady Alice Primary scored as they cracked the code of computer programming with the help of a football charity.

Morton in the Community have been helping older pupils at the school get to grips with the basics of coding as part of a scheme that aims to provide science education to youngsters.

Pupils used tablets to write a program which allows them to control a small motorised ball and navigate it around obstacles in the school's gymnasium.

The youngsters have spent weeks learning about the mathematics behind coding the object and working out the sequence that the different parts of the program have to operate in.

Primary seven pupil Lucy Wilson, 11, said that she had enjoyed the chance to try something new.

She said: "It's really exciting and different from the other stuff we do at school.

"We had good fun trying to work out how to fit the program together and make the ball move round the hall."

The sessions are part of a scheme which aims to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) among young people.

Funded through the UEFA Foundation for Children, the project is targeted at young boys and girls aged 9 to 12 years old and Morton in the Community have also run the sessions at St Patrick's and Newark primaries.

Eve Conner, who works Morton in the Community, says pupils have taken to it in no time at all.

She said: "There's a lot of maths and computing involved, but the kids also work in groups which helps develop their communication skills.

"They've picked it up so quickly.

"After we're finished this block we'll move onto other schools, we want to give as many local pupils as possible a chance to take part.

"Morton are keen to provide educational projects, as well as health and wellbeing programmes.

"It's good to get out into the community and show people that Morton isn't just about football."