ILLUSIONIST David Meade drew gasps from startled onlookers yesterday as he performed a gravity-defying stunt in Belfast city centre.
The television mentalist appeared to sit suspended in mid air as he helped launch the 2016 BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.
The event takes place in Dublin in January with more than 120 teacher and pupil awards to be won, including cash prizes, international trips and the overall title of BT Young Scientist and Technologist(s) of the Year.
The TV mentalists said: "As a former teacher myself, I understand the importance of encouraging young people to take what they're learning in the classroom and use their imagination to turn it into a fantastic idea.
"It is so important that young people create their own journey and future path to success and this world class competition is a great way of helping them to really imagine the possibilities that could lie ahead - as I've demonstrated today, nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it."
BT Ireland chief executive Colm O'Neill said: "People who have experienced the exhibition understand that it is about much more than science, it's about imagining an idea and then bringing that idea to life through re-search and development. I'm looking forward to seeing some great entries over the coming months."
Entries can be made in one of four categories: technology, social and behavioural science, biological and ecological science or chemical, physical and mathematical science. For more information visit www.btyoungscientist.com.
