Aberdeen Science Centre plans to create a state-of-the-art facility after securing a £4.7m funding boost.

The cash will almost double the size of the current centre and refresh the city's science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) hub.

The Inspiring Science Fund, a partnership between the department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Wellcome, Opportunity North East, The Wood Foundation and Scottish Enterprise, is responsible for the funding.

Aberdeen City Council has agreed to contribute up to £1m to the project.

Aberdeen Science Centre chief executive Liz Hodge said: "This funding is a vital boost for north Scotland.

"This funding will almost double the size of the centre and play a pivotal role in creating a new, exciting and stimulating environment enabling our team to significantly increase the reach of STEM related education programmes, exhibits, events, clubs and activities.

"While the next generation are a priority audience for the centre, our aim is to engage everyone in science and inspire people of all ages, backgrounds and interests to get excited about the fascinating world of STEM."

The redevelopment is set to be complete by autumn 2019.