SIXTH form students have been taking part in a conference discussing moral issues of the day.

The Medical Ethics Conference, organised by the charity Life, took place at Redcar Leisure Centre yesterday, and among the topics for discussion were human cloning, abortion, fertility awareness and designer babies.

Students from Whitby, Stokesley and Redcar took part in the event, which was the second one to be held in the North-East. Earlier in the year, the conference visited Ushaw College, near Durham.

Margaret Barron, regional coordinator, said the purpose of the conference was to arm the youngsters with extra knowledge.

She said: "It allows them to investigate and find out the information for themselves and to explore a variety of topical issues that are in the news a lot at the moment.

"Teachers are reacting very positively and are encouraged because the students are being presented with information in a clear way."

The students are covering a range of courses including health and social care, sciences and religious studies.

"It is very encouraging because they are asking a lot of questions on the presentations. It is a very good mix, and a lot of the boys have been very forthcoming with their comments. It is all about developing and encouraging enquiring minds."