More than 150 sixth form students from across the North had the opportunity to design their own airline at the event which took place at Lancaster University Management School.

The day was organised jointly by the University’s Student Recruitment and Outreach Team together with Career Academies UK, which helps raise young people’s aspirations and bridge the gap between education and work by giving them access to the world of work.

Career Academies UK students are often from urban areas of social need who may have little family background of higher education.

The Head of UK Student Recruitment and Outreach Fred Binley said: “I hope the pupils leave Lancaster today and feel they’ve gained a real insight into one of the top management schools in the country and consider perhaps that university will be the right next step.”

The students spent the day designing their own airline and determining strategy, markets, brand, logo, advertising and sales pitch. They then pitched their ideas to a judging panel including Lancaster student Oliver Page, who runs his own company, NutKase Accessories, an online mobile accessories business.