A WORCESTERSHIRE scientist is hoping more teenagers will become interested in science and engineering with the launch of a campaign.

Heather Tewkesbury, of Stourport-on-Severn, is a part of a team of ambassadors for NOISE - New Outlooks in Science and Engineering.

The 27-year-old scientist has carried out projects on why chocolate melts and what makes the best crumpets.

She joins seven other scientists and engineers from across the country in the NOISE campaign.

The campaign was launched last week to show 16-19-year-olds how rewarding the subject can be.

"We're going round schools to give talks and show how science can be interesting and relevant to real life," said Dr Tewkesbury, who works from her home in Stourport-on-Severn.

"There's a lot more to science than white coats and Bunsen burners."

Dr Tewkesbury started her research career after gaining a maths degree. She then took a PhD and saw a project about chocolate.

"It was funded by Cadbury's and was a dream job," she said.

From there she joined the Smith Institute where she has looked at what makes a good crumpet.

"I seem to have picked up a lot of food products but we also cover lots of other industries, such as textiles."

Other ambassadors include scientists who have studied waves, organic chemistry and a robot submarine.

NOISE is also sponsoring a new Channel Five science television programme called FAQ.

This is aimed at a teenage audience and will be screened in the New Year.

The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) have sponsored the campaign.

"We want the NOISE campaign to show 16-19-year-olds the potential benefits of a science and engineering education and highlight the exciting careers in these areas," said Professor John O'Reilly, chief executive of the EPSRC.

NOISE has its own website at www.noisenet.ws