YOUNG scientists at Ebbw Vale's Pontygof primary school were excited to see their study of the Ebbw River published in a national magazine this month.

The children's study of the river from its source in the Brecon Beacons to Newport was published in the January to February issue of Primary Science magazine.

The study, which ended in June last year, saw the children carrying out a range of experiments including tests on the water's oxygen and PH levels.

The pupils analysed their findings with the help of Dr Wynne Evans and Dr Stuart Baskerville at the University of Glamorgan.

Pontygof teacher, Dewi Owen, ran the project with his colleague, Gill Clist. He said: "The children had a whale of a time.

"They loved plodding about in the river with their wellies on and doing tests at the university.

"It is really important for them to have first hand experience of science."

He added: "It's no good talking about a river in Zimbabwe when we have the Ebbw River right next to us!"

The school was awarded with £1,500 from the scientific academy, The Royal Society, to buy equipment to carry out the study.

Some of the children have moved on to comprehensive school since the study was published, but Mr Owen said they have been back to see the magazine article.

He said: "The children were really excited to see the magazine.

"We are really pleased with the article.

"We always hoped to get the study published, but being published in a national publication was beyond our wildest dreams!"