TO infinity and beyond - that's the aim of students at Preston College, who are planning to join the race in space exploration.

Preston College's school of science and maths has been given the thumbs-up by the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council to study cosmic rays - radiation-packed beams which shoot towards earth from outer space.

Little is known about the rays, so students from the college will be working with researchers from Liverpool University to create a new cosmic ray detector which could become commonplace in schools and colleges across the nation. The college - which is the first sixth form to study cosmic rays - is launching a new series of scholarships in a bid to lure the best maths and science brains around onto their Fulwood campus.

The scholarship awards will cover the cost of buying and updating personal computers or specialist study materials.

Head of maths and science Andy Dawson said: "Both Durham and Nottingham Universities have offered us their entire collection of cosmic ray equipment so that the department's excellent work can continue."

Cosmic rays shoot from outerspace, break into showers and penetrate deep into the earth, passing through anything in its way, including a human head.

A huge sheet of metal has been erected in one of the science labs which will slow down the invisible rays as they pass through the room, enabling the science boffins to detect them.

Scientists are the college are hoping they will make a major breakthrough in the research into the rays which will put them on the map.

Andy added: "The science and maths students at the college are already some of the highest achievers nationally and results in 1998 placed our students in the top five per cent in the country.

"Our students have national gold medal awards for physics so I'm sure we will do it."

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