A SERIES of lectures by leading scientists begins in Stockton today.

The Blinded by Science talks have been organised by Durham University's Stockton campus and local churches.

The first, entitled It's Life Jim, but not as we know it, will be taken by Professor John Burn, who is medical director at the Institute of Human Genetics at Newcastle's International Centre for Life.

Stockton Parish Church is the venue for this, and the other three talks in the series, all starting at 7.15pm.

Other talks include Astronomy at the end of the Rainbow by Durham University's Dr Paula Chadwick, on May 9, Where gardeners lead, scientists follow by Dr Philip Gates, a columnist for Gardener's World, on May 16, and Tickling the brain magnetically by Professor Alan Cowey of Oxford University, on May 23.