Fans of the hit sci-fi series Doctor Who are in for a treat this Saturday when Science in the Peak opens its doors free to the public.

The Doctor's time-travelling TARDIS, his arch nemesis the Daleks and faithful companion K9 are just some of the attractions at the science-fest, taking place under the historic Devonshire Dome at the University of Derby.

Throughout this week, secondary school pupils from across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have been flocking to Science in the Peak.

David Wilkinson, from the Institute of Physics, said: "It's great that we have managed to come out to Buxton because so many of these science events are either established ones or are based in the cities, and it costs a lot of money to try to get out into the countryside.

"One of the main reasons we wanted to come to somewhere like Buxton is to offer this opportunity to school children from the countryside to come and see it."

Visitors on Saturday will be greeted with a series of fun and interactive family-friendly exhibits covering three themes – Creativity in Science, Ecology and the Environment, and Astrology and Physics.

Expect exploding custard, a liquid nitrogen show, a Lab in a Lorry, a talking giant tortoise – and the highly celebrated Darwin Today Exhibition, which celebrates the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin's birth.

TV scientist and mathematician Johnny Ball will also be giving his own engaging take on 'The Science of Life'.

Dianne Campbell, from Scitec, who are co-ordinating the event, added: "We are trying to make science fun, bring in an element of inspiration and link it with careers for the future to see if we can inspire younger people to get into science as a career."

Science in the Peak is supported by Derbyshire County Council and the East Midlands Development Agency.