EAST Lancashire teachers have teamed up with a Clitheroe science company in a pioneering project to work out the mathematical formula for success in the classroom.

Synetix, part of the ICI group, is playing a key role in helping to launch the pilot maths-in-industry scheme for teachers from four local schools.

The aim of the project is to provide the teachers with practical experience of the application of maths in the workplace and an insight into how they can make it all add up for pupils who are considering a scientific career.

The four Clitheroe schools visiting Synetix are Bowland High, Ribblesdale High, Brookside Primary and St James Primary.

The scheme has been organised in partnership with the East Lancashire Education Business Partnership.

Kay Renton, senior development officer, said it would give teachers the chance to gain invaluable experience in the use of maths in industry.

"Through the first-hand knowledge they will gain from these visits, the teachers will be able to bring to life in the classroom examples of maths in an industrial environment.

"As a teaching aid it will be vital, and hopefully it will encourage pupils to seriously consider maths and chemistry as a career option."

David Greatorex, education liaison representative at Synetix, said: "We are pleased to be involved in the project and we hope that it will inspire children at the schools involved to take a closer interest in maths and chemistry through seeing how these impact on their everyday life."

The East Lancashire Education Business Partnership, which is based at Clayton-le-Moors, was set up in 1995 to promote and manage industrial and educational links in the region.

It provides work experience, teacher placements and literacy and numeracy support in schools, and aims to give local companies a more motivated, better qualified future workforce.