SOUTH Swindon MP Julia Drown is urging bright children from Swindon to join a summer school run by the National Academy for Gifted and Talented Youth.

Swindon was under-represented in the intake for the summer school last year and Ms Drown is keen to see Swindon children and parents redress the balance.

More than a third of children at the academy, which runs courses in seven locations, came from just 12 Local Education Authorities and there were very few youngsters from Swindon.

Bradon Forest school pupil Tilly May spent three weeks at the school last year studying creative arts in Canterbury, and loved it.

Tilly, 15, said: "I think the summer school is really good, and I would encourage anyone to go on it."

Her mother, Wendy Fortescue-Hubbard, said: "The difference in her when she came back was amazing, she was much more confident. At first she wanted to come back and was homesick and found it hard, but she very soon settled in and had a marvellous time."

Tilly said: "We spent a lot of time putting on plays in and around Canterbury Abbey and Cathedral. There was also lots of drawing teaching and some really good music projects. I am a lot more confident now after going away."

The National Academy for Gifted and Talented Young was established by the University of Warwick last year. Bursaries to cover the £490 cost of the course are on offer from schools and Local Education Authorities.

Ms Drown said: "The National Academy is aimed at those who could be in the top five per cent academically or in a particular skill area. I want young people from South Swindon to take part."