SUPPORTING SCIENCE: Industry has joined forces with the academic world to support the work of some of the North-Easts most promising young scientists.

Four Newcastle University students are currently benefiting from a scheme set up by pharmaceutical company UCB. Each of them receive support worth about 70,000 over the course of their studies.

The scheme is part of a £3.1m commitment by UCB to support UK PhD scientists and universities, encourage research and to enhance student skills.

The Newcastle students who attended the networking day at UCBs headquarters in Slough, Berkshire, were Laura Corbett, Matthew Buck, Kathrine Crossland and Emma Cox.

CREATIVE GLASS: Visitors to the National Glass Centre run by Sunderland University can experience the new hot glass studio and create their own Christmas bauble.

Blowing and shaping a bauble in molten glass direct from the furnaces with the Glass Studio Team is one of the most unique experiences offered at the riverside venue.

The experience lasts one hour and can accommodate up to seven people together. Sessions are available every Saturday and Sunday, from November 10 until Christmas. Sessions cost 20 per person, last one hour and take place from 10am throughout the day. Booking is essential.

Ring 0191 515 5555 or e-mail info@nationalglasscentre.com

 

FREE CLASSES: All parents in Middlesbrough with a child under the age of five are now eligible to receive free parenting classes as part of the CAN Parent scheme.

The national charity 4Children is urging parents to get involved in the free offer which has been providing parents with vouchers worth 100 through local Boots stores, local children's centres, GP surgeries, midwives and health visitors for them to spend on the CAN parent classes and advice networks.

To find out more visit www.4Children.org.uk

 

FUNDS RAISED: Asian students at Stockton Sixth Form College have spearheaded a fundraising campaign which has already raised over 450 for children's charity UNICEF.

Students organised a series of events, from auctions to arm wrestling, and set up makeshift food stalls selling traditional Indian cuisine across the college for two days last week, with all funds going to help a global project combatting famine in East Africa.

The two-day charity extravaganza was the first in a series of planned events which the group hope will raise around 2000 for the international charity across the academic year