SCIENCE fans are being challenged to follow a Molecule Trail in Otley this month.

The event, which involves finding and logging 15 'molecules' that have been hidden around town, takes place from Monday, October 23 to Thursday, November 9.

The challenge is a precursor to the 2017 Otley Science Festival which will feature everything from Silly Science sessions for toddlers to presentations by esteemed guests including Professor Robert Winston.

Molecule Trail entry leaflets will be available from Otley Courthouse - where the festival will run from from Monday, November 6 to Saturday, November 11 - from October 23.

Details can also be downloaded from otleysciencefestival.co.uk and entry is free.

The first three correct entries, which will be picked at 11am during the Science Fair on the festival's concluding day, will receive a molecule modelling kit prize.

Otley Science Festival says it is indebted to Spring Enterprises Ltd and Keele University School of Chemical and Physical Sciences for supporting the event.

This year's will be the tenth festival hosted by the town and will once again feature 'explosive' presentations from Marty Jopson .

One of the driving forces behind the event and an Otley Ambassador, Dr Jopson frequently appears on BBC 1's The One Show.

The festival will also include a selection of daytime events for schools, between November 7 and 9, and talks by Stefan Gates, Professor Monica Grady and themed cafes and lunches.

Programmes are available from the Courthouse or the festival website.

*The festival is sponsored by Otley Town Partnership, Otley Carnival, the Institute of Physics, the Royal Society of Chemistry, Keele University and Otley Town Council.