An innovative project aiming to help young people into higher education has been launched in Dundee.

Abertay University has partnered with Breakthrough Dundee to launch the initiative, which aims to improve the academic performance of secondary schoolchildren.

As part of the agreement, Abertay will offer a range of taster sessions to S2-S5 pupils, including a specific focus on helping S2-S3 children choose subjects most likely to lead to educational advancement or careers.

The sessions will be run in conjunction with Breakthrough, a charity that supports local care-experienced and other vulnerable young people in secondary schools.

Chief executive of the charity, Jenny Paterson, said: "Breakthrough is thrilled to be working in partnership with Abertay University to offer potentially life changing experiences to young people who are currently engaging with our charity.

"This is the first of a number of similar important partnerships we plan to forge across Dundee that will open the door to a wide range of education and employment opportunities, fulfilling the lives of young people in the city."

Abertay will also run student mentorship programmes and university open days through the duration of the project.

Jackie McKenzie, the university's external relations director, said: "Breakthrough Dundee is a superb organisation and has already made a significant difference to the lives of many local young people in need of support and a guiding hand.

"We are delighted to enter this new partnership which I'm certain will lead to transformative opportunities for those taking part, who in return will bring an abundance of untapped talent, drive and creative spark to the University environment."