STUDENTS became teachers to brief business people on getting the most out of computers.

The youngsters came from Malton School, which boasts three information technology (IT) suites.

The two-hour computer class they provided for representatives of local firms was seen as a good exercise to expand the skills of students.

Their "pupils" were taken through a full IT presentation, from spreadsheets to the vagaries of the worldwide web, as students set out to show how IT can support commercial operations.

As a result, the students have been invited to work directly with local businesses to develop their websites.

Deputy headteacher Steve Fearnley said: "This arrangement, if we enter into it, can only be of benefit to the students and, hopefully, for the businesses well."

One of the businessmen who took part, Paul Tate-Smith, said: "I felt it was very worthwhile, both for the students and the people from businesses."