SIXTH formers at a St Annes school experienced a "sea change" when they swapped the classroom for a special conference.

The group of A' Level students from Lytham St Annes High Technology College recently visited Edge Hill College of Higher Education, Ormskirk, for a coastal conference designed to support their studies.

The students visited the geography department for learning activities organised by Edge Hill students and they were given talks by environment experts.

And in the science department the students were able to look at some of the biotic life from a local salt marsh -- without having to brave the wind, rain and tides.

Dubbed "The Coastal Zone", the event was organised by Edge Hill's Department of Natural, Geographical and Applied Sciences, as part of the college's "Aim Higher" initiative supporting young people's education.

Ann Worsley, Edge Hill's senior geography lecturer, said the conference was "very successful." She added: "It is particularly important for young people living within the coastal zone to recognise the impact of sea level change upon habitats and inhabitants, and to be aware of how the coast is dynamic and constantly changing."