BRAINY Merseyside schoolboys Peter Gerrard and Jack Bullen are reaching for the sky.

The 12-year-olds were being transformed into rocket scientists this week after being chosen for training by the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth.

They learned about gravity, thrust and afterburn at Leicester university on a one-day course.

Peter, from Southport, and Jack, from West Kirby, joined other gifted youngsters to learn about the technology of space flight and what you need for a career in space science.

They also had the chance to design and build their own rockets and launch them from the university's athletics field.

Jack said he was just keen to make sure his rocket got off the ground.

He added: "I'd like to be a rocket scientist as a career. I want to play around with big rockets and fuel."

The Hilbre High school pupil has been a member of the academy for four months.

Peter, a pupil at Christ the King in Birkdale, was also looking forward to the day, his first academy trip.

Mother Debbie, who watched the launch with his father Paul and Peter's younger brother Chris, said: "We've been told Peter's particularly bright since he was in infants' school.

"He's into maths but says he wants to be a computer teacher or golfer."

The academy, based at Warwick university, is open to the top 5% of gifted pupils in England. It aims to improve educational provision for the most able students.

Its director, Professor Deborah Eyre, said: "Giftedness needs to be nurtured through access to challenging opportunities."

Outreach events across the country are delivered by experts. This year NAGTY will offer around 200 events for about 6,000 students from the archaeology of human remains and history of medicine to "vile science".