TEENAGERS from four schools in the town got the chance to let their hair down and take a break from study.

For the last year, students have been taking part in an e-mentoring project with students from the University of Bath.

And, as the Aim Higher project drew to a close, they took to the ice at the Link Centre for one last get-together.

Churchfields, Dorcan Technol-ogy College, Hreod Parkway and Greendown schools each put forward between 15 and 20 students from Years 9 to 10.

Churchfields' Aim Higher co-ordinator Laura Burchall said that the e-mentoring scheme is a way for teenagers to learn valuable lessons from people to whom they can relate.

"Since October pupils have been having email contact and one-to-sessions with students from the university," she said.

"We went for the pupils who have got no family history of further education because we want to raise their aspirations and hopefully encourage them to go continue their education when they leave school."

She added: "It's all very well us telling students to do their work and apply to college but it is different actually hearing that from someone at university who is not that much older than them."

Emily Smith, 14, from Dorcan, said: "It's been really good for us. We didn't just have to talk about work, although my mentor did help me out with some course work."

Hannah Livery, 14, from Greendown, said: "You get to meet people from other schools at these social events which has been really good."

Abi Ashby, 14, from Church-fields, said: "It's been brilliant being able to get advice from students at uni because they know what we are going through, it's really helped."

Melanie Jenkins, 15, from Hreod, added: "We have had lots of support from the students. I asked my mentor about all sorts of things from school work to personal issues."

All of the students say they are hoping to go to university.