DRUGS, crime, abortion and euthanasia were just some of the topics under discussion when 100 schoolchildren visited Redcar and Cleveland College.

The youngsters, from Ryehills, West Redcar and Bydales schools, were invited to the college for a day of workshops aimed at helping them pass GCSE in religious studies.

The event, looking at contemporary moral and social issues, is held annually and encourages Year Ten pupils to think about reading religious studies at college or university.

Pupils took part in interactive workshops focusing on a range of issues and were paid a visit by teams from two prisons - Low Newton and Kirklevington - as well as drugs and abortion charities.

Deborah Wilson, from the college said: "The students gain a great deal from attending these events. Not only does it help them to consolidate everything they are learning at school, but the practical workshops mean they can also have fun while they learn."

Pupil Andrew McCaig, 15, from West Redcar Community School, said: "All of the workshops were very interesting and covered important topics which will help us with our studies and exams next year.

"The day also made us think about the jobs we might be able to pursue if we continue to study religious education."