A TEAM of researchers from the North-East has beaten off strong competition to spotlight their work at an exhibition.

The scientists from Newcastle University's school of biology will staff one of 20 exhibits visited by more than 3,000 people over three days from tomorrow at the annual Summer Science Exhibition, in London.

The Newcastle exhibit will explain how animals, including peacocks, mice and humans, select a mate, and show how genes determine attractiveness - whether it is the colour of a peacock's tail or a mouse's scent.

The researchers will reveal their latest findings about human attractiveness.

Professor Marion Petrie, of the university's school of biology said: "The subject of attractiveness and mate choice arouses the curiosity of just about everyone.

"But there is great scientific value in our work because it is helping us to understand how humans evolved."