Tech event hopes to inspire future talent

Academic graduate assistant Robert Adams from the University of Sunderland with a robotic dogs

An event is under way to get more young people excited about taking up a career in technology.

Come and Play, which is being held in Sunderland, will give visitors the opportunity to explore areas such as robotics, gaming and photography.

It is aimed at 11 to 17-year-olds and is the start of a number of activities taking place in the city as part of next year's Expo Sunderland.

Event director Sarah Gilley said the workshops are about understanding how technology can "enhance our lives" and "drive our city forward."

Visitors to the Bridges shopping centre will be able to speak to businesses and organisations in health, digital and technology.

Sunderland City Council and the University of Sunderland are sponsoring the event, which runs until Thursday.

Joanne Usher, corporate engagement officer at the university, said: “Young people are the future of this city and ensuring that they see this as an attractive place to live, work and play is critically important.

“Come and Play will be so much fun and also give young people the opportunity to think about future study and work options, aligned to their interests, right here in Sunderland.”