STUDENTS in Wiltshire can now get better access to information on travelling to and from colleges or school sixth forms with expert help from STAN, believed to be the country's first Student Transport Advice Network website.

The new website and helpline provide students with all the information they need to make long-term choices about the best way to travel to sixth form or college.

The Wiltshire Partnership for Post-16 Transport has developed the website a partnership including Wiltshire County Council, sixth forms and colleges, teenage advice organisation Connexions and the Learning and Skills Council.

The website features easy-to-follow maps of all the public transport serving each of the colleges and sixth forms for Wiltshire's young people.

Initially, students can click on the college or sixth form to reveal a transport network map. Further developments will enable students to access links to timetable information and fares.

Alison Lawrence, Wiltshire County Council's education transport policy and development manager, said: "STAN will provide a reliable source of information. By visiting the website, students will be able to make long-term choices about which colleges they can travel to."

Students can phone STAN on (01225) 757575, or visit the website at www.wstan.connectfree.co.uk