OTLEY residents can start hunting for hidden 'molecules' around the town next week.

Models of some of the chemical compounds behind a lot of the tastes, smells and colours of everyday life have been hidden around Otley's shops to provide an educational challenge.

The Otley Molecule Trail runs from Monday, October 23 to Thursday, November 9 and is a 'taster' event for this year's Otley Science Festival.

Fifteen models for compounds including caffeine, linalool - used in soap production - and theobromine, found in chocolate, feature in the scientific treasure hunt.

Trail leaflets showing each of the molecular models can be picked up from Otley Courthouse, Otley Library or Otley Core, on Orchard Gate.

Participants need to look out for the small, colour-coded models which have been placed in the town's shops and businesses and write down their locations.

Answer sheets should be handed in to the Courthouse by 6pm on Thursday, November 9.

Three winning entries will then be drawn at the Science Fair - the culmination of the tenth Otley Science Festival, which starts on Monday, November 6 - on Saturday, November 11.

Trail organiser Hazel Costello, of Otley Courthouse, said: "When you track down the Molymod models you might find they are in shops selling products using the actual molecules themselves - but I’m not giving out any more clues!

"You’ll have to check out the amazing range of Otley shops for yourself."

The winners will receive Spiring Enterprises' Molymod kits, which have been donated by Philip Spiring.

For more details on the Science Festival visit otleysciencefestival.co.uk .