BUDDING scientists of all ages have been having fun at Otley.

The town’s 2018 Science Festival at Otley Courthouse got underway on Monday, November 5 with a Silly Science Toddler Time.

The event let children find out more about the world around them while getting messy - and meeting some interesting creatures.

Hazel Costello, from the Courthouse, said: “About one hundred children aged five and under came along and had a great time.

“Knaresborough Animal Rescue team who brought a selection of animals and insects for the children to explore.

“The largest snake obliged by shedding its skin in front of an admiring audience.

“Many thanks to Otley Children’s Centre staff and the Courthouse volunteers for making this event happen.”

Later on Monday Dr Marty Jopson, of BBC’s The One Show, presented Invisible Worlds: a microscopic safari.

He said: “There was a fantastic audience as always for my show here at Otley Science Festival.

“I managed to show them all the wonders of very, very, very small things and even harvested samples from a few of them.”

More community science was served up at a Science Café on Tuesday, when the audience left knowing more about the latest research into pain, viruses and why you might want to weigh a cloud.

The festival continues through to Saturday, November 10 - for more details visit www.otleysciencefestival.co.uk or call the Courthouse on (01943) 467466.