STUDENTS are signing up for a college course where the sky's no limit.

Star-seekers are rushing to be part of the region's first GCSE astronomy class at Accrington and Rossendale College.

It's a rare opportunity for potential Patrick Moores, who will have high-tech equipment to go where students have never gone before.

The classes will be held in the evenings so that, on a clear night, pupils will be able to search through space.

When conditions aren't so good they will be able to log onto the Internet and access images taken by the Hubble Space Telescope, view up-to-the-minute reports from the Space Shuttle and follow the Mars Pathfinder and Global Surveyor spacecraft as they beam photographs from the red plant.

Tutor Ian Longley said: "We are also establishing links with the University of Central Lancashire so that students can meet astronomy staff and use the university's state-of-the-art equipment.

"The course is open to everyone - enthusiasts or beginners - and you don't have to have any specialist equipment."

For further details contact Ian on 01254 389933 or student services on 01254 354036.

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