STUDENTS from Coombeshead Academy, Newton Abbot, were given a special insight into how the Met Office operates.

As part of their CRESCENDO European climate change project, the youngsters travelled to Met Office’s Hadley Centre in Exeter to meet with scientists and take a tour.

They met with the chief forecaster who was analysing the weather and preparing the day’s updates and learnt about the weather company’s newest £97 million supercomputer.

Professor Colin Jones gave the students a talk on the evidence of climate change and told them how the Greenland ice shelf loses enough ice each year to cover Manhattan to the height of the Empire State Building.

Science deputy team leader at the academy said: ‘We look forward to the next part of Professor Jones’ presentation when the Met Office team visit Coombeshead in the summer term. The link is providing wonderful opportunities for our students.’