BBC North West Tonight presenter and Lancaster University graduate Ranvir Singh was at Lancaster University this week as part of a drive to encourage more young people to enter higher education.

Around 85 pupils attended the event which was prepared for Burnley Schools' Sixth Form - a new Sixth Form centre, providing Further Education-level education to five Burnley schools - Shuttleworth College, Hameldon Community College, Unity College, Sir John Thursby Community College, Blessed Trinity RC College.

Ranvir Singh, who studied English and Philosophy at Lancaster University, is now a reporter and presenter on BBC North West Tonight.

At the event held on Wednesday, July 18, she shared her experiences of university with the students and discussed how her degree has helped her develop a high-profile media career.

The day also explored the benefits of university, what student life is really like and explained financial support arrangements. The students were given a tour of Lancaster's newly-expanded campus, to give them an idea of the facilities offered by a leading university including: accommodation options, computing and library services, sports facilities and social spaces.

Roger Gould, Schools and Colleges Liaison Officer at Lancaster University, said: “As part of our growing links with the East Lancashire area, Lancaster University hosted this taster event to help raise aspirations among Burnley students and to encourage them to consider university-level education.

“We hope Ranvir's presentation – and the chance to experience first hand what Lancaster University has to offer - will help inspire students to consider higher education options once they have completed their current courses.”