STUDENTS from the University of Chester are bridging the connection between study and work by supporting preparations for the city's Green Expo 2022 in Chester.

Six students from the university, four with the Work Based Learning scheme, are working on the new three-day event being held on the banks of the River Dee at Castle Drive on June 16-18.

Members of the public, business people, inward investors and anyone interested in climate change, achieving energy savings and carbon reduction are invited to attend, the first of its kind.

Grace Pugh is a second-year events management student. She has a diploma in creative media production, and business administration already and awards in the Flintshire Young Leader Program, Level 3 First Aid and CPR, and a DofE Bronze Award.

Grace said: "I hope to gain a whole new set of skills to take out into the world with me after university and I'm learning what it is like to plan and create an event from scratch."

Sophie Davies is a second-year student studying geography and natural hazard management with a particular interest in sustainability. She said: "My role as Hydrohub Technology Executive means I am gathering hands-on experience within this field and learning what needs to be accomplished to make the world a cleaner greener place.

"The Hydrohub aims to rejuvenate the disused hydro station and utilise the natural resources of the river to provide a source of renewable energy. The Hydrohub will also provide an educational facility which will help bring awareness to more sustainable ways of living."

Joe Darlington is from Newcastle-upon-Tyne and studying politics. He said: "I'm helping to organise and market the Business and Youth conferences on June 16 and 17 respectively. This is a new and exciting experience for me and it's a great privilege to be promoting something as important as green energy and environmental protection, as well as promoting the region."

Eadaoin McQuillan is studying events and marketing management and is the awards events executive for Green Expo 2022.

She said: "84% of Cheshire residents would like to learn more about climate change, net zero and how it applies locally. I am keen to play my part and bring in fresh ideas so we raise people's awareness and know more. The awards will help celebrate our successes too."

Alex Bullock is a Masters student at the University of Chester studying journalism and a busy mum of a six-year-old boy. She graduated from an undergraduate course at Llandrillo Menai studying creative broadcast media and has worked on her local museum's website.

She said: "It was an amazing opportunity to work on this during the lockdowns, giving me experience of working alongside a great team at the museum. I am enjoying working alongside a group of such talented people on the Green Expo 2022."

Mick Roberts is assisting on visual media for Green Expo.

Project director for Green Expo Jane Harrad-Roberts said: "I'm looking forward to working with everyone on creating a fantastic event for Chester and the North West. I know the potential students have and the skills they can bring to a project like this and I'm excited to invigorate more young minds to achieve the best outcome."