YOUNGSTERS from 1st Hexham Girl Guides and 1st Hexham Cub Scout pack celebrated World Space Week with an introduction to astronomy from the founder and director of Kielder Observatory.

Gary Fildes gave the 23 Guides and 10 Cub Scouts a tour of the stars discovered at the observatory during its nine-year history as part of a special event held at the David Wilson Homes North East development, called Woodland Rise, in Hexham.

After a lesson on what can be seen within constellations and how to find them, the children also learnt about the history of the Kielder Observatory and its work, and how people of all ages and levels of interest can discover the cosmos.

"It was a great evening and the children were all really engaged with the talk. It’s fantastic to be able to inspire the next generation to become more involved with science and learn about the universe," said Gary.

"Astronomy is becoming increasingly popular and we are always keen to work with the local community to encourage a greater interest in science and space."

Ashlea Wright, sales manager at Woodland Rise, a development of three, four and five bedroom homes on Corbridge Road, said: "It was brilliant to have an astronomer from Kielder Observatory come down to the development and hold an astronomy night for the children.

"We always work hard to give back to the communities that we build in and this was a great opportunity to bring the two groups together and learn about the stars and space."