SCOTTISH pupils as young as seven will be targeted for a future place at university under an ambitious scheme to widen access.

Strathclyde University, in Glasgow, is the first higher education provider in Scotland to start its own Children's University in partnership with the city council.

Under the initiative, which is already well established across the UK, children between the ages of seven and 14 will be given access to specially-designed lectures at the university as well as visits to city galleries and museums.

The children will collect credits as they progress before being able to "graduate" at a ceremony at Strathclyde's Barony Hall in February next year.

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, the university principal, said: "The Children's University provides young people with a fantastic opportunity to experience university life and we are delighted to be the first university in Scotland to commit to this exciting opportunity. We are committed to providing access to education for all people, irrespective of their background, and this scheme is a tremendous way to throw open the doors of learning and help to inspire a new generation."

Stephen Curran, Glasgow City Council's executive member for education, said widening access to university was a top priority.

He said: "This new initiative complements the good work in this area across the city. We want to foster ambition and aspirations in all of our youngsters and I welcome any programme that will help to achieve this goal."

St Mungo's Academy is the first Glasgow school to join the programme with over 40 first year pupils collecting credits for taking part in a range of out-of-school-hours learning activities.

In addition to the activities at Strathclyde, a number of city venues will be validated as public learning destinations with Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum the first to join the Children's University.