An exciting new science event is coming to Dorchester.

A wide range of activities will be on offer at the Dorchester Family Science Festival which takes place at the Corn Exchange in March.

The event is being organised by Bournemouth University, the Thomas Hardye School, the Dorset County Museum and Dorchester Town Council with support and sponsorship from the Royal Society of Biology.

The Family Science Festival is programmed as part of the national British Science Week which runs from March 8-17 and is a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths.

The Dorchester event is for all those, young and old, who love science and like learning new things.

Community Development Officer at Dorchester Town Council Emma Scott said: "Experts from all over Dorset will set out to delight, amaze and inspire the scientist in you.

"With a very wide range of activities, there will be something for everyone. Come and learn about elephants and their conservation, peer through microscopes at things that glow in the dark, and get to know what makes ticks tick."

She added: "There will be the chance to ‘ask the astronomer’ and explore what stars are made of, mix things up with a local chemist, and handle exotic animals – if you dare.

"Plus learn about radio tracking, and how the technology is being used to help the planet.

"You will also be able to observe living microbes and even augment your reality and enter a prehistoric world of dinosaurs."

The event will also see the debut outing of the ‘Dorset Inflatable Museum’ which will be touring the county from April, providing a unique pop up experience whilst the Dorset County Museum undergoes extensive and exciting refurbishment.

There will be light refreshments available through the afternoon.

The event is on Sunday, March 17 from 1pm-5pm.

For more information contact Emma Scott at e.scott@dorchester-tc.gov.uk or call her at the town council on 01305 896114.