STUDENTS who fail their A-levels should think carefully before accepting the first university place they are offered, careers advisors advised last night.

Instead of rushing out to drown their sorrows, pupils whose grades, out today, are not up to scratch to get them into their university choices should seek advice.

Brenda Stephenson, development manager at Connexions County Durham, which offers free advice to young people, said: "For some, it is not just the worry of what they can do next - it is also a real blow to their pride."

Connexions advisors will be on hand in many of the region's colleges. With so many options open to pupils, Ms Stephenson said the choices could be overwhelming.

Clearing is usually the next step, but pupils hoping to make it on to a more popular and competitive course, such as English or medicine, will have to move fast.

Ms Stephenson said: "They may still be able to be accepted at their choice, it depends on how popular their course and university is.

"It is always worth a try to phone them, but never get your mother and father to do it because it creates a bad impression.

"The university may offer them a place on a different course, but they should make sure they definitely want to do that.

"Otherwise, like 40,000 other students every year, they can go through clearing."

Ms Stephenson warned that resits did not always lead to better grades, unless students changed their chosen subjects.

She said gap years spent doing worthwhile activities could often help students decide what they want to do.

The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) is giving clearing lists on its website, www.ucas.com, from today.

All students eligible for clearing will be sent an entry form as soon as A-level results are out.

To make an appointment with a Connexions advisor, call 0191-383-1777, (01325) 480055 or (01642) 616031.

Advice can be found at www.connexions-durham. org