PUPILS at a Mossley primary school are celebrating after winning first prize in a University of Manchester science photography competition.
Children from Livingstone claimed the top spot in the non-biological category of the 2026 University of Manchester Microscopes 4 Schools competition with a striking microscopic image of a computer memory chip.
It also received a judges’ commendation in the biological category for a close-up image of an aphid on a leaf.
The success came after a two-week science project held in February and March, when about 90 pupils from Years Four, Five and Six were given the opportunity to use professional digital microscopes loaned free of charge by the University of Manchester.
Using the high-powered equipment, pupils examined and photographed everyday objects they had brought from home, including fabrics, coins, feathers, leaves and insects, revealing intricate details invisible to the naked eye.
As winners, the school has been awarded its own digital microscope, allowing future classes to continue exploring the microscopic world.
Certificates were presented to the children during a school assembly on Friday, July 10, by University of Manchester cancer researcher Dr Ben Foster, who grew up in Mossley.
During the project, Dr Foster and PhD student Molly Donald also visited the school to deliver a ‘Meet the Researcher’ session for Years Five and Six, giving pupils an insight into careers in science. Dr Foster researches how cells repair damaged DNA, helping scientists better understand diseases including cancer.
Simon Wilde, Chair of Governors at Livingstone Primary School, said: “The children were absolutely thrilled. For a small primary school, getting our hands on equipment like this is rare, and to then win a regional competition with it is something really special.
“The best part was watching the ‘wow’ moments as the children saw familiar objects in a completely new way. Ben and Molly’s conversation with the children created a barrage of questions about science and the work of a scientist.
“We are very proud of the pupils, grateful to the team in Manchester for the opportunity and their time, and of course thankful for the brand-new microscope which we’ll be able to use in our science lessons in the future.”
Dr John Knight, Lecturer in Cancer Biology at the University of Manchester and founder and coordinator of Microscopes 4 Schools Manchester, said: “Congratulations to everyone at Livingstone Primary School. We run this competition to spark curiosity and a love of science in young people, and the standard of images this year was excellent.
“It is brilliant to see the children’s enthusiasm, and it’s especially pleasing to see one of our researchers returning to the town where he grew up to inspire the next generation.”