STAFF at Glasgow Science Centre are celebrating a record breaking couple of years.

Last April, the Clydeside attraction had its busiest year since opening in 2001, with more than 270,000 people flocking to the science mall.

One year on and visitor numbers have soared by almost 12%, to 305,484.

Education numbers are also on the increase with more pupils than ever before experiencing the Science Centre's Curriculum for Excellence- linked programme.

Almost 76,000 pupils from nursery to Advanced Higher level from across Scotland have seen science brought to life in fun and exciting ways.

The attraction has more than 300 hands-on exhibits and pupils can see planetarium shows, take part in workshops in the lab, be immersed in IMAX 3D films and enjoy live science shows.

During the past 12 months, the centre has opened the £2 million BodyWorks exhibition, entered a partnership with Cineworld to operate the IMAX, started the refurbishment of the Glasgow Tower and begun fundraising for its next exhibition.

Science Centre chief executive Stephen Breslin said: "We are thrilled we have once again set a new record for visitors.

"It has been an extremely positive year for us.

"We are the most popular Science Centre in Scotland and our efforts in science learning are being recognised by academia and industry around the UK.

"We started the year with the opening of BodyWorks, the biggest refreshment of exhibition space in the Science Mall in over a decade.

"BodyWorks has captured the imagination of children and adults alike.

"It has been a big draw for visitors."

The city council provides funding to allow organised school trips free access to the attraction.

Education spokesman Stephen Curran said: "In many cases, you need to go beyond the classroom to give pupils a better understanding of a particular subject.

"It is important our young people are engaged in learning and these sessions are an ideal way of introducing and exploring real and relevant science studies.

"That is why the council is delighted to be able to provide our youngsters with the chance to learn more about the wonders of science in a fun, interactive and hands-on way."

vivienne.nicoll@ eveningtimes.co.uk