Europe is bracing itself for the arrival of Swindon students determined to shape the continent's future.

A party from St Joseph's Catholic School is taking part in the Euroscola event in Strasbourg.

Young people from across Europe will gather in the chamber of the European Parliament on Monday to discuss five major topics.

Human rights, the environment, the single currency, young people and Europe and Europe's place in the world will be on the agenda.

The school accepted an invitation from Swindon Borough Council to make the trip, with the head of business studies particularly keen that St Joseph's should make its mark.

Before making the trip, the Year 12 students received a briefing from Dr Caroline Jackson MEP (South West).

She said: "It is excellent that our young people are having this chance, and I wish them every success." I'm very glad that they are actually meeting in the Parliament building. It's quite impressive outside, but strange inside - part shopping mall, part prison, some say."