The third Newcastle Science Festival kicks off on Friday with more than 60 events for all ages taking place at venues across the city.

Among them is a talk from a senior RSPB official on how science is helping species of birds across the world.

The festival also includes a rare behind the scenes tour of the Hancock Museum, taking in unseen treasures.

Newcastle Science Festival chair Linda Conlon said: "Science used to be tremendously important to the North East; we are all familiar with names such as Armstrong, Swan and Parsons to name but a few.

"Today, science is once again the agenda and we aim to make the festival into one of international stature.

"You don't need a science background to take part, just as inquiring mind and a couple of spare hours."