TALENTED students from across the region have gathered in Widnes to learn about applying for some of the top universities in the world.

Cronton Sixth Form College in Cronton Lane played host to 12 high schools wanting to attend the Prestigious Universities Programme.

More than 150 pupils took part in taster lessons to sample a level subjects and learn how Cronton can help them achieve their university goals.

The Prestigious Universities Programme at Cronton provides support, advice and opportunities to students who are applying to top universities.

This programme gives students the opportunity to visit Russell Group universities before they apply.

Lesley MacCallum, careers coordinator at Halewood Academy said: "It’s been a great day; the students have really enjoyed themselves.

"The Prestigious Universities Programme taster day gives these year nine students the chance to focus on higher education and give them an opportunity to try subjects that they do not normally do at school."

Luke MacMahon, head of the Prestigious Universities Programme said: "This morning was fantastic for me.

"Not only was it really enjoyable to work with so many obviously talented young people, it was great to see how determined they were to succeed.

"Although university may seem like a distant target for year nine students, it is so important for their ultimate success that they start thinking about it now.

"If there was one thing I wanted the students to take away from their visit to Cronton, it was the belief that every one of them has the right to go to which ever university they choose.

"In addition to everything else they learned this morning, if they took that lesson away with them then I could not be happier."