A PARTNERSHIP between two North Yorkshire colleges is being strengthened - with a little animal magic.

Askham Bryan College and the Yorkshire Coast College have announced a course in animal management, which will start in Scarborough, in the autumn.

Last year, the first students began to study for their first diplomas in animal care on a course run by Askham Bryan College at the Yorkshire Coast College campus. It has been such a success, that, from September, it will run alongside a more advanced national diploma course.

Lecturer Katie Whiting said: "Providing courses in animal management in Scarborough has been very popular with students.

"Some of those who will complete their first diplomas this summer would like to progress to a more advanced course, the national diploma.

"The national diploma course will also be open to those coming straight from school, if they have the appropriate entry qualifications.

"This means that, depending on their GCSE results, there are now two ways for students from the Scarborough area to take the first steps towards a rewarding career working with animals."