STUDENTS and staff have gone quackers about a group of newly hatched ducklings which will help to teach youngsters the science of life.

Manningtree High School incubated several duck eggs as part of National Science and Engineering week having housed chicks in previous years.

Most of the ducklings have now hatched and are being looked after by students and teachers.

Science teacher James Pretty said: “We were very excited to hear that this year the eggs would be ducklings as we have only had chicks before.

“All of the students and staff have been visiting nearly every day to see how they are growing and can’t stop talking about them.

“All of the ducklings have homes to go to at the end of the week so we look forward to seeing lots of pictures of them as they grow up further.”