A Swindon-based research council is leading the way to discover the make-up of the universe.

Scientists working for the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council in North Star Avenue are trying to discover the answer to one of the greatest scientific mysteries what is dark matter?

Stars make-up less than one per cent of the universe's mass, while all the gas clouds and other objects make-up around five per cent.

This means that scientists are still unable to work out what makes up the other 94 per cent of universe's mass.

The mystery of so-called Dark Matter may soon be revealed, as astronomers look underground rather than skyward working to fine-tune their sensors more than one kilometre beneath the North Yorkshire moors.

Deep underground, scientists have installed experiments to detect WIMPs, or Weakly Interacting Massive Particles. These minute specks are believed to be the missing link in the Dark Matter mystery.

The laboratory has recently benefited from a £3.1 million award.

Professor Ian Halliday, chief executive of the research council, said: "This is an outstanding research facility equipped with some of the most sensitive dark matter detectors. It is a crucial addition to the UK's resources where British scientists are playing a world-leading role to discover these exotic, as yet undetected Dark Matter particles. It would be a major coup for UK science if we could win the race."