YOUNG people are ensuring they are switched on in today's fast moving digital age.

Westhoughton High School has linked up with a local IT services and business systems company to educate pupils in cyber security and coding.

Eventura, which has its offices opposite the school in Bolton Road, put on cyber security sessions for final year pupils.

These sessions concentrated on cyber security learning, with the work going towards the students’ studies for a BTEC Tech Award ­— Digital Information Technology.

The experts at Eventura focussed on threats to data and prevention and management of threats.

This was aimed at showing how these issues impact businesses every day, with real-life examples of how companies can protect themselves and what technologies are used.

The company is also running a competition named the Python Challenge, for the high school’s Year Nine pupils.

For this, pupils will work on an imagined project where they have to create a program to hold information for Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

Eventura recently donated and installed a brand new computer system there.

The pupils have to devise an effective but safe system of storage and coding using Python ­— an open-source, general purpose programming language that can run on all operating systems including Mac and Windows.

In exchange, Eventura is offering a selection of prizes, including a Notebook PC, to the three highest performing pupils.

The youngsters that recently attended Eventura's offices said they thoroughly enjoyed the lessons with a difference and learned a lot about the challenges of the digital era.

Owen Fielding said: “I was taught a lot about different aspects of cyber security and would like to go again.”

“An amazing visit, filled with endless information," added James Bright.

Thomas Johnson said: “The trip to Eventura was very informative and very professionally conducted by the staff.”

Paul Birbeck, Operations Director at Eventura, explained: “We are committed to building relationships with local schools and providing opportunities for young people in the area.

“Our partnership with Westhoughton High School means that students have the chance to experience the world of IT outside the classroom, opening their eyes to the variety of roles and responsibilities within the industry.

“From the feedback we have received, the cyber security learning sessions were useful and enjoyed by the students.

"We hope to inspire the next generation of IT professionals and, who knows, perhaps they could be working for Eventura one day.”