THE beginning of National Science Week will be marked at the Wroughton Science Museum this week.

The museum, which is at Wroughton Airfield, will have both the large aircraft hangars open allowing visitors to get up close to some of the larger exhibits that cannot be shown at the Science Museum in London.

Among the attractions this weekend will be the opportunity to have a go on the UK's only Mobile Helicopter Simulator.

Called Challenger, it gives potential pilots the chance to see a demonstration before taking the controls.

There are many simulated flights ranging from landing on an aircraft carrier to flying down the Las Vegas Strip at night.

There will also be special scientific displays looking at alternative fuels, flight and large model aircraft. The museum is open from 10am to 4pm on SaturdayMAR13 and Sunday. Entry is free.