WRITER Dr Simon Singh was special guest to mark the official launch of a Weymouth school's specialist science status.

Dr Singh, whose book Fermat's Last Theorem brought him international acclaim, also led two science and maths workshops with pupils after the ceremony at All Saints School in Wyke Regis.

A maroon was fired to signal yesterday's launch, which marked All Saints becoming one of the country's showcase schools for science.

Dr Singh, whose brother Tom brought fashion chain New Look to the nation's high streets, has also served as a producer on BBC science programmes including Horizon and Tomorrow's World.

He said: "This country needs schools such as All Saints if we are to maintain our science and maths role in the top flight.

"There are fewer and fewer students doing maths and science, which leads to fewer and fewer teachers and so on.

"Yet such students will become the engineers and innovators of tomorrow, who drive the economy, so specialist science schools like All Saints are vital.

"Even if students don't become scientists or engineers, they will be better for a grounding in science to help them with issues such as global warming."

All Saints scientific and mathematical studies director Alan Hocking was delighted at the launch and said: "Today sees us recognised as a centre for excellence in science and maths.

"It will extend our pupils' science and maths experience and to help this the school will be forging links with top scientists all over the country as well as leading local scientists."

He added that the school hoped to act as a scientific role model for the Weymouth and Portland community.

All Saints headteacher Tim Balmforth said: "This marks the next stage in the evolution of this school.

"We will now be a focus for science and maths with the Chesil partnership which encompasses all schools within Weymouth and Portland."

Among guests at the launch was Weymouth and Portland Mayor Lynne Herbert, who said: "I think it is very exciting, a fantastic privilege to have this sort of accreditation in Weymouth.

"Science is so important for the future of the country and this honour will be of great benefit not just to students at All Saints but to the community as a whole."