STUDENTS from a Pendle high school visited one of the area's biggest firms as part of a project to forge closer links between the classroom and shopfloor.

Pupils from Mansfield high, Brierfield, toured Smith & Nephew Medical Fabrics' Brierfield Mill complex yesterday through the national Groundwork initiative RMC Greenlink.

The scheme aims to give young people an insight into the complex environmental issues facing industry.

The group of 14 members of the school's science club were shown how raw materials are made into bandages, first aid dressing and other medical supplies and how waste and pollution is minimised and dealt with.

The students also learned why parts of the factory require high levels of sterility and were given the chance to quiz staff on their work.

"Both Mansfield and Smith & Nephew are looking forward to developing future links through this project," said Sandra Silk, education officer with environmental group Groundwork East Lancashire.