YOUNGSTERS from schools across the North-East are learning something new from university scientists this week.

Durham University is hosting a four-day science festival, aimed at people of all ages.

Durung the day, hundreds of secondary school pupils are visiting the university's science site, in Stockton Road, Durham, to take part in science-related activities.

Other members of the community are also being catered for at a series of evening sessions and lectures.

Among topics being investigated by school parties are floods, including climatic and sea-level changes.

Pupils are also studying laser physics and taking a "pavement safari", studying insects found in paving cracks.

Problems caused by flooding are highlighted by use of a working flume model showing the build-up of sediments at the foot of slopes during periods of heavy rainfall.

Demonstrations of laser physics are designed to reflect how fast information can travel, shown by the transport of a television signal on a laser beam.

Television projections of insects give children a chance to see just what lurks under foot on paths and paved areas.

The science is continuing into the evening with similar sessions for other members of the public, followed by a lecture.

Dr Cliff Ludman will give a lecture today on Explosions! Dr Chris Done will talk on Black Holes: Fact, Fiction or Fantasy?

Festival director Dr Bob Kentridge said: "The festival is very much about hands-on activities.

"We want to increase awareness of the mind-boggling science that is happening in the region, on all of our doorsteps."

The festival runs until tomorrow, at the School of Biological Sciences, off Stockton Road, Durham.

Sessions for the public run from 5pm to 8pm, with the lectures starting at 7pm. Admission is free.