Pupils' crash course in university life

They were among a group of high school pupils taking part in a careers experience event in Preston.

The city-based University of Central Lancashire hosted the action-packed event which saw them test out their skills as police officers, nurses, firefighters, lawyers, physiotherapists and journalists..

These skills were put to use after an ‘accident’ which saw two Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service fire engines and a North West Ambulance Service paramedic car attend a two car ‘crash’ on the Preston Campus.

The Junior University activity was designed to demonstrate the real-world practical nature of a range of health, crime and media subjects on offer at UCLan.

It is the second time in successive years that the emergency services event has taken place..

UCLan senior marketing Officer Janet Andrew, one of the organisers, said: “Last year’s event proved so popular with the students and our staff that we decided to run it again this half-term. The Junior University programme aims to raise the aspirations and broaden the knowledge of high achieving students in the local area so they can consider applying to study at university when the time comes.

The University hosts a number of different events for young people, aimed at giving them a chance to see what higher education offers, particularly those from families where they are likely to be the first generation going to university.