A NEWBURY community interest group marked its first anniversary by welcoming a very special guest to the Corn Exchange.

Professor Andrea Sella delivered this month's talk - The Strange Science - to members of Newbury Talks in the coffee bar on Sunday, March 12.

Guests were treated to a chilling lecture on the state of the polar ice caps and enlightened by Andrea's experimental approach.

Judith Bunting, one of the volunteer organisers said: "It was great to celebrate our first birthday with such a star of science. Andrea drew in the audience in a wonderful way.

"For him, science is as enjoyable as writing poetry or looking at rainbows and his enthusiasm comes over in every demonstration and explanation. It’s not often that a man with test tube get a spontaneous round of applause."

After telling a packed crowd about the strange science of ice, he spoke candidly about the development of the ice caps and explained how their constant shrinking will impact our future.

Trevor Mathers, who leads the organising group, said: "Next month, we have entrepreneur and futurologist, Mark Stevenson, with us to talk about his exciting and optimistic - if at times daunting - view of the future. The talk should be a real thriller, full of ideas and will keep your head buzzing for days."

Newbury Talks' next meeting will be held at the town hall on Sunday, April 23 and will start at 3pm. It is free to attend and everyone is welcome.