PUPILS at York schools have been getting a taste of the city’s newest tourist attraction thanks to the Children’s University.

Primary school youngsters from Carr Junior, Haxby Road, Westfield and Osbaldwick have been working with University of York students on York’s Children’s University modules themed around advertising, chocolate, law and justice and transport.

Youngsters at Westfield have been learning about chocolate making with York’s new attraction – Chocolate: York’s Sweet Story, while other employers involved include Aviva, North Yorkshire Police and Northern Rail.

Rachel Stuart, a teacher from Westfield, said: “The children have been very enthusiastic about this project.

“They have developed an even greater appreciation of chocolate, especially learning about where it comes from and how it is made. I would definitely reccommend this project and the visit to others.”

York Children’s University opened last year and is led by the charity York Cares.

The project aims to support disadvantaged school children aged between seven and 14, build their self-esteem and expand their knowledge base.

The modules available are run entirely by student volunteers currently enrolled at the University of York, as part of the university’s summer term challenge 2012.

Laura Belshaw, 19, who is one of the 160 students taking part in the summer term challenge and who helped develop the module on chocolate, said: “I have found the project very rewarding as it is great to see that the children are really enjoying the tasks we set; it is brilliant to see how enthusiastic they are towards learning about the history of chocolate and its journey to York.”

Kate Harper, acting manager of the university’s community and volunteering unit, said: “Summer term challenge 2012 is about helping students to develop their skills, enhance their employability and gain valuable experience in the sectors that are of particular interest to them, most notably the heritage and cultural industries and the education sector.”