A TWO-WEEK festival in York to promote science has been launched by television presenter and scientist Professor Heinz Wolff.

The Festival of Discovery started last night and runs until March 19.

It aims to demystify science and showcase it as a rapidly-growing sector of York's economy.

The festival includes a series of discovery days at the Guildhall for school children and families to find out about science and technology. Children will be able to learn the science behind sweets, how plants think and how to have fun with maths.

The festival coincides with a host of events taking place as part of National Science Week, including a look at how medieval builders constructed the Minster.

National Science Week is now in its tenth year and was recently endorsed by Tony Blair.

The Festival of Discovery will finish with Creative Futures, a showcase of career opportunities in the cultural and creative industries in the city.

For more information about the York Festival of Discovery visit the website at www.sciencecityyork.org.uk/discover or phone 01904 554428.

Updated: 10:55 Thursday, March 06, 2003