Hartlepool will be going Greek today when students exhibit their summer project.

Forty-three year nine and ten students from Hartlepool's six secondary schools have spent three months studying aspects of Greek culture.

The students, aged 14 and 15, have studied a range of Greek topics including language, food, history and the Olympic Games.

In July, they spent almost a fortnight in Greece, carrying out firsthand research.

Called the Greek Odyssey Summer School, the project was funded by the Government's Excellence in Cities Gifted and Talented initiative. The aim is to develop the learning and creativity of young people.

Today at Hartlepool's City Learning Centre, in Mapleton Road, between 3pm and 7pm, the students will have displays of their Greek project on show to parents, teachers and invited guests.

Karen Adams, co-ordinator for the initiative in Hartlepool, said: "This is the second year that we have run the summer school and, once again, it has been an outstanding success.

"The aim of the project is to help strengthen students' ability to carry out their own independent research, as well as further developing their communication skills.

"The young people have benefited tremendously and have produced excellent work."