SCIENTISTS of the future are set to get to grips with creepy crawlies at a York festival.

Badger Hill Primary School students Luke Tattersall and Lydia Beech are pictured here learning about microbes with, centre left, Heather Mason, from Science City York, and Sarah Shannon, from the North Yorkshire Business and Education Partnership (NYBEP).

Visitors to the NYBEP stand at the Discovery Days event during this year's Science City York Festival Of Discovery will be able to learn about the world of microscopic bugs that share our homes.

Using the theme Science Comes Home, Discovery Days is a fully interactive event with demonstrations and displays from local companies showing the impact science has on our daily lives, particularly in the home.

Visitors will also be able to find out where energy comes from, how the world's population will need to be fed and housed in the future, what happens when we carry out everyday activities like cleaning our teeth, and how Smarties are made.

Due to be held at venues across the city from March 9 until March 21, the festival aims to demystify science and promote York's status as a Science City.

Anna Rooke, manager of Science City York, said: "Science can be perceived as rather dull, and what we are hoping to do with this year's festival is to encourage people to explore the fascinating world of science and technology, to consider the career, business and educational opportunities available and show that science can be fun."

For further information about the Festival, phone Ben Wright or Heather Mason, the festival organisers, on 01904 554493.

Alternatively, log on to www.sciencecityyork.org.uk/discover.

Updated: 11:49 Wednesday, March 03, 2004