More than 200 pupils from schools across the area took a day out from traditional lessons to join in workshops and learn more about European and non-European culture, languages and job opportunities abroad.

The event, aimed at budding linguists, was organised by the languages faculty at the University of Central Lancashire.

Silke Engelbart, subject leader for German from the School of Languages and International Studies, said: "This was a fantastic opportunity to show young people how interesting foreign languages are and what can be achieved by learning another language. We've been running this event for a number of years and it's extremely popular."

Taster sessions were offered in a range of subjects, including Polish for the first time, Spanish and French as well as Arabic, Japanese and Chinese.

The pupils were able to sample international cuisine, music and culture from around the globe as UCLan's international students set up colourful stalls representing their native countries.

The youngsters were also shown how mastering a foreign language could open up a huge range of career and travel opportunities.

They also learned about Eastern Europe as it is today from a Polish point of view.