An award-winning academic from Wharfedale will take part in Otley’s next 20/20 Science Cafe.

Ilkley resident Professor Greg Radick, from the University of Leeds, will be one of three experts delivering quick-fire slide presentations at Otley Courthouse from 7.30pm on Thursday, September 15.

Prof Radick will be examining the evolution of speech at the event, which will be chaired by BBC TV's One Show science presenter and Otley Science Festival organiser, Marty Jopson.

Dr Peter Thompson, from York University, will discuss visual illusions while London-based science journalist Angela Saini will consider whether or not India can become a science superpower.

Mr Jopson, fresh from a run of shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, is promising an evening that is “fun, relaxed and full of cool science”.

Tickets can be bought at the venue or at (01943) 467466 or at otleycourthouse.org.uk.