A STAR-GAZING science teacher has launched a new astronomy club for children and their parents in the district – at the request of his own pupils.

Jim Yiangou, who works at St John's in Epping, said he decided to set up the weekly meet-up of space enthusiasts due to a keen interest in the subject from youngsters at the school.

“It's all because of popular demand,” he said. “Quiet a few of my year seven pupils are very interested, and we already have 30 members.

“But the club is not just for pupils at the school but for children in the community and their parents too. We've found that there are a lot of parents who are interested in astronomy as well and I think it's very important to get them involved in their children's education like this.”

The club officially opened last week with a talk by respected academic astronomer Kenneth Harrison.

Pupils also enjoyed a spectacular presentation on the solar system, shown in 3D with the help of special glasses.

The school, in Tower Road, Epping, has also managed to acquire three telescopes which the club can use.

Mr Yiangou said: “I have lots planned for the club.

"We'll be looking into the effects of space travel on the body, the engineering behind it and we hope to have lots of trips to places such as the London Planetarium.

“We've managed to successfully bid for a digital telescope, which uses GPS technology allowing you to pinpoint certain areas of space instantly which makes it very easy to use.

“The skies over Epping are very good for astronomy because there's a lot of open countryside and little light pollution.”

For more information on the club call the school on 01992 573 028 or visit its website at www.st-johns.info