Oxford Brookes is using a new idea to get children interested in university life at a young age - by enlisting the services of a cuddly toy.

Professor Fluffy is being introduced to 300 Oxfordshire children in a bid to make higher education more accessible.

Project organiser Claire Ruston said: "It is aimed at children who might be the first in their families to go to university.

"We want to show them it's fun rather than a big scary place just for very intelligent or very rich people. We were wondering if they might be a bit old for it and think it's a bit silly, but they loved her."

Children from 11 co unty schools have been touring the university, accompanied by current students and Professor Fluffy - a female professor of engineering.

Amy Walter, 10, a pupil at Our Lady's School in Cowley, said: "I think she's cool and it is something unusual.

"It has made me think about university differently."