GIFTED students at a Widnes college have their sights set high as they work alongside professional scientists.

The Nuffield research placement allowed four students at Cronton sixth form college in Cronton Lane, to work alongside scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians.

The hardworking students are all part of the centre of excellence in science and maths and they were offered the opportunity to apply for the scheme through the Tomorrow’s scientists programme at the college.

The students who were selected from Cronton sixth form were, Charlie Lamb, formerly of Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College, Mecmillan Rajaratnam, formerly of Wade Deacon High School, Lauryn Hall, formerly of Wade Deacon High School and Patricia Davies, formerly of Wade Deacon High School.

After completing their research projects in the summer the successful students from Cronton have joined young people from across the country to showcase their research skills and hard work to parents, mentors and guests from the science, technology and engineering sector at The University of Liverpool.

Dr Paul Jackson, A-Level physics lecturer at the college said: "The Nuffield research project is a fantastic opportunity for the students to find out what life as a research scientist is really about.

"This year’s students have gained valuable experience which will help them identify future careers and will also look amazing on their university application forms.

"Students that took part in last year’s Nuffield Research Project have progressed to some of the most prestigious universities such as Manchester and Chicago USA to study courses including pharmacy and physics.

"We look forward to finding out what interesting projects they will work on in the future."