TWO talented chemistry students from Bury have taken a big step up the career ladder after being awarded prestigious placements.

Seventeen-year-olds Laura Schofield and Emma Testa each spent four weeks working in science laboratories at Manchester University.

They used the time to conduct their own experiments and analyse the results, with supervision and guidance from researchers.

The Holy Cross College students were chosen for the projects after writing to the Nuffield Foundation, which provides bursaries for science students to undertake placements in universities, industry or research institutions.

Laura, of Barnside Close, Walmersley, said: "I was told about the bursary at college and wrote to apply for it, but I was really surprised to be chosen. I had a good time and learned a lot about working in a real lab. I definitely want to study chemistry at university now."

Emma, of St George's Road, Hollins, said: "I did a project about synthesising materials and it gave me experience of knowing what life will be like at university. I gained a lot of confidence from the lab work and learned some new techniques."

The placements were so successful that staff at the college in Manchester Road will use the girls' projects to teach other students.

Chemistry tutor, Alison Smith, said: "It is very difficult to get the bursary so the girls both did very well to get them.

"We are covering similar topics in lessons this year and will use the work they have produced to show the other students what they have done."