More than 140 children from schools across the district grabbed their magnifying glasses and finger print kits to investigate clues and create stories in the Valley Gardens to coincide with this weekend's Theakstons Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival in Harrogate, billed as the biggest in the world.

The scheme – Kids, Spies and Private Eyes – saw the youngsters between eight and 12 years old participating in an innovative day using expert techniques with a real-life crime scene investigator at the Sun Pavilion.

After writing up their findings in the style of a journalist, private investigator or police officer, the children met crime author Mark Billingham.

The Crime Writing Festival finishes tonight, Sunday at the Crown Hotel.

Highlights of the festival, which forms part of the larger Harrogate International Festival, included visits by Young Bond book series writer Charlie Higson as a part of a discussion about the work of 007 creator Ian Fleming.

Another big name guest was former SAS soldier Andy McNab who talked about his latest novel.

The broader Harrogate International Festival runs until August 1 and includes highlights such as Clare Teal, Black Dyke Band and James Brindley of Harrogate's Royal Hall Gala Concert.