TALENTED youngsters with a penchant for learning will study subjects from Elvis to Einstein at Lancaster University, this summer.

For the National Academy of Gifted and Talented Youth (NAGTY) is once again running summers schools at the university campus - and there are places up for grabs.

Courses range from the academic heartland of mathematics, philosophy and history to the more practical creative art and music.

Places are open to applicants aged between 11 and 16.

But children need to have test scores in the top five per cent of their ability range or a written reference from a teacher to qualify.

Lancaster is one of only eight centres across the country to offer summer school courses for the academy.

And spokesman Alison Rowan believes that children have much to gain from attending.

"The courses complement formal education and students will learn things that they can take back to their schools at the end of the holidays.

"There is also a great programme of social activities including field trips, sports and a party at the end of the course."

And she adds: "This is a great opportunity for gifted kids to experience something different, especially when it's still considered not cool to be bright."

Application forms, which need to be returned by April 4, can be found at the association's website www.warwick.ac.uk/ gifted/summer-school