WONDERS of the universe attracted hundreds of visitors from across the country to Runcorn at the weekend.

A north west astronomy festival at The Heath Business Park has been hailed a huge success after doubling numbers on last year.

The event was organised by Runcorn couple Sue Davies, aged 53, and her husband, Andrew, aged 52, who run The Knowledge Observatory at Wigg Island.

Sue said: “It was absolutely fantastic. People were blown away.

“We had all the BBC Sky at Night team there. People were surprised to see presenter Chris Lindtott. They enjoyed all the talks.

“Everyone was saying it was just awesome.”

She said children were intrigued to see the night sky inside a giant planetarium.

Experts from the national school observatory at John Moore University held hands-on workshops with children.

Sue added: “We had solarscopes outside. There was a real wow factor as people saw a close up of the sun for the first time.

“We’re already putting plans and ideas together for next year.”

Admission for children under 16 was free.