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 county schools have been touring the university, accompanied by current students and Professor Fluffy - a female professor of engineering.
Amy Walter, ten, 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."
Pictured with Prof Fluffy, are student ambassador Jade Simms, left, and Our Lady's pupil Holly Cyprien.
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