A CRIME Scene Investigator has launched a new Detective Project business, which will enable people to try their hand at crime scene examination.

Louise Devereaux, of Addingham, who has spent almost two decades attending and examining crime scenes within the police service, will be delivering detective-themed events from her business - The Detective Project Harrogate - across an area covering Craven to North West Leeds and North Bradford to West York.

Her new role will see Louise sharing her expertise in crime scene analysis through fun, science-based events, with participants donning their own CSI suits and joining in hands-on challenges, involving skeletons, finger-printing kits, crime scene materials and story boards.

All of the activities are based on real investigation techniques, demonstrating how crime is investigated in the 21st century using forensic science theory and practice.

Harrogate is the latest franchise operation of The Detective Project, which was launched in 2010 by Jenny Williams, a former career detective with the Metropolitan and Avon and Somerset police forces.

Jenny combined her experience and knowledge of scenes of crime methodology with her experience as a mum to launch the event business, which now has five operations across the UK and has won numerous awards.

The business will give Louise, who is mum to two children aged nine and three, the opportunity to share her passion for forensic science with a wider audience, as well as continuing her criminal investigation work on a part-time basis.

"Whenever I go to crime scenes, children are always fascinated by what we do and want to watch - and have their fingerprints taken! I have also done many talks to children and college students about my CSI activities and there is huge interest in what this type of police work involves," said Louise.

"My business aim is to run good, fun, educational and inspirational events, which children and adults alike will enjoy - and talk about for a long time afterwards!"

The Detective Project Harrogate can be contacted on 01943 831650 or 07717418381, by email to harrogate@thedetectiveproject.co.uk or more information can be found via the website: www.thedetectiveproject.co.uk .