STUDENTS will visit Greece on a study tour as part of a summer learning project.

Since the beginning of March students aged 13 to 14 from Hartlepool's six secondary schools - Brierton, Dyke House, English Martyrs, High Tunstall, Manor College of Technology and St Hild's - have been taking part in the Olympic Summer School, funded by the Government's Gifted and Talented initiative.

The scheme aims to develop the learning and creativity of young people.

Next month, the pupils will set off on a ten-day study tour of Greece, visiting Athens, Mycenae, ancient Corinth, Hydra and Spetses.

They will also each research and write a project on an aspect of Greek culture, which they will present before parents, teachers and other guests at the City Learning Centre, in Hartlepool, in September.

Karen Adams, co-ordinator of the Gifted and Talented initiative in Hartlepool, said: "The ancient Greeks laid the cornerstones of modern democracy and left a rich and inspiring cultural legacy.

"The summer school will help the students broaden their horizons, strengthen their ability to carry out their own independent research and enhance their communication skills."