THE 2015 Otley Science Festival was wrapped up in record-breaking style at the weekend.

More than 500 people visited Otley Courthouse on Saturday to enjoy the event's all-day Science Fair.

Budding boffins of all ages tried their hand at everything from building balloon cars to extracting DNA from strawberries.

Visitors also got the change to see a variety of creatures, including owls, tarantulas and cockroaches, up close and see a 3D printer in action.

Dr Marty Jopson, from the BBC's The One Show and one of the festival organisers, said: "The Otley Science Fair this year was the best we have ever put on.

"We managed to squeeze more people and even more things to do into the Courthouse, and yet still gave everyone space to move about."

Fair-goers also found out more about cancer research, were invited to attempt 'brain surgery in a bucket', and were challenged to build the highest wind-resistant tower.

The owls, visiting from Owl Experiences, proved a real hit, and the RSPB was on hand to share advice about helping birds and hedgehogs.

A display by Otley-based Briscoe’s Brewery was a favourite among the dads in the audience, while the Science Buskers turned heads with their array of science-based tricks, using magnets, springs and balloons.

Pupils from two Otley primary schools – Ashfield and The Whartons – showed off their scientific know-how by running their own demonstrations.

The fair, and the Game of Thrones-inspired talk – featuring Helen Keen and Ian Simmons – that followed it, marked the end of a week of scientific attractions at the Courthouse.

During its six days, this year's festival has featured everything from an experiment-packed talk about bubbles to a presentation on bats, a science lunch focusing on graphene and a musical comedy about the life of Marie Curie.

Dr Jopson added: "None of it would have been possible without the hard work of all the stall holders, the Courthouse volunteers and the Science Festival committee members, and for that I’m incredibly grateful.

"I know I had more fun this year than ever before, although it did take two days to recover from all the work!"