A TWO-WEEK festival to promote science has been launched by television presenter and scientist Professor Heinz Wolff.

The Festival of Discovery, which runs until March 19, aims to "demystify" science and showcase it as a rapidly-growing sector of York's economy.

The festival includes a series of discovery days at the Guildhall for school children and families to find out about science and technology.

Children will be able to learn the science behind sweets, how plants think and how to have fun with maths.

Youngsters have also had some input into the festival after turning some of the marvels they have seen under a microscope at York University into works of art.

The festival will finish with Creative Futures, a showcase of career opportunities in the cultural and creative industries in the city.

For more information about the York Festival of Discovery visit the website at www.sciencecityyork.org.uk/discover or telephone 01904 554428.