PUPILS from across East Lancashire have been learning how maths can equal success.

The region's scholars immersed themselves in numbers as part of a maths-themed week funded by Lancashire County Council.

And the week, believed to be the first of its kind, reached a climax on Friday with an event to show the relevance of maths in the economic sector.

Employers ranging from Siemens to Ford joined professionals from universities and councils to demonstrate how maths is used in their jobs.

The project was run by SETPOINT Lancashire -- an educational charity dedicated to promoting maths and other subjects to pupils aged between five and 16 across Lancashire's LEAs.

Pupils could learn about the application of maths in later life by carrying out calculations, ranging from a safe radiation dose given by radiographers in the NHS to the mechanics of quality control in car production.

Year 10 pupils from Ivy Bank Business and Enterprise College, Burnley; Mansfield High School, Brierfield; Moorhead High School, Accrington; Ribblesdale High School and Technology College, Clitheroe; The Hollins Technology College, Accrington; and Walton High School, Nelson, were among those taking part.

SETPOINT Lancashire's manager, Barbara Tigar, said: "The aim was to inspire students to consider the wider applications of maths, gain a better understanding of how useful maths is in employment, but also to understand some of the exciting career opportunities open to more mathematically able people and develop enthusiasm for studying maths post-16."

The maths week, which included a quiz for the regions' schools was organised by Lancashire County Developments -- the local authority's economic development company .

Its chairman Coun Niki Penney said: "Encouraging and fostering a knowledge and love of maths from an early age is really important."

Blackburn with Darwen Council is also hitting home the importance of maths to pupils.

One innovative project is under way at Pleckgate High School, Blackburn, where pupils are learning about maths through a video conference link with Cambridge University.

After watching a lecture, pupils work on a maths challenge before report their findings back to the university and other schools, through a second video conference.

The council also supports a range of training for teachers.

"It all adds up to showing pupils that maths can be fun and it is a key part of life," said Peter Morgan, interim director of children's services at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.