STUDENTS are helping the World of James Herriot to improve its marketing skills by the use of computers and websites such as Facebook.

Alistair Adair, Oliver Tindall and Tom Hendry, of Thirsk School Sixth Form, are helping at the Thirsk-based visitor attraction.

The trio are working with centre staff on marketing, including Facebook and Youtube posts, and they will also be conducting research with schools.

The three offered their services after spending time at the museum as part of Takeover Day which was a national event to allow children to shadow jobs.

They spend two hours a fortnight at the Thirsk museum and they use the experience to boost their business studies college course work.

Alistair said: "We want to help the museum and improve our skills. It will also give us a real life look at the business world.

"This work with the centre will give us a valuable insight into the world of tourism and business.

"We are all great fans of e-communications – Facebook, Youtube and the like – so hope to be able to improve the centre’s use of this and encourage more visitors through the doors."