BRIGHT sparks from across Europe have been sharing their expertise in laser technology with students in the North-East.

The School of Engineering at Northumbria University, Newcastle, hosted a week-long laser technology course and attracted students from Mittweida, Germany, and Lannion, in France.

The course focused on the principles of operation and practical application of lasers. Topics covered included holograms and the use of lasers in medicine.

Joe Allen, of Northumbria's School of Engineering, said: "Each of the institutions which took part specialises in a different field, so by sharing our expertise we are able to learn from one another and ensure best practice across Europe.

"We are also able to pass on this best practice to our own students at Northumbria, ensuring they have the right skills and knowledge to take with them to the workplace."