THE first ever female professor visited Sedbergh School to talk about eradicating a deadly illness.

Professor Janet Hemingway CBE delivered a talk on malaria and said she expects the infectious disease to be extinct within the pupils' lifetimes.

The talk, called 'Mosquitoes, Malaria and Me', was delivered to lower sixth students and biology pupils.

Professor Hemingway, who directs the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, said: "It is always gratifying to come face to face with those young people who will become the next generation of scientists and researchers, especially if I can play my part in encouraging them to follow their dreams.Those young people deciding to study biological sciences will find themselves in an increasingly international environment, working with like-minded individuals around the world.

"Judging by the many insightful questions I faced during my evening at Sedbergh, I am delighted to report that many of the students I met share a passion that will help them fulfil their academic dreams.”

Head of Biology, Dr Alisdair McMeechan said: “A large number of our pupils pursue careers in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Therefore an understanding of current research underpins work in the classroom and is vital for examination success."