AN internationally renowned French speaker has inspired Widnes schoolchildren to embark on exciting careers.

Dr Isabelle Vanderschelden, senior lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University spoke about the benefits of learning a foreign language when she visited Cronton Sixth Form College in Widnes.

Gifted and talented pupils from various schools including Ormiston Chadwick Academy joined students for the talk.

Dr Vanderschelden discussed the global use of the French language and the countless job opportunities it opens.

A college spokesman said: “She encouraged students to study French as it combines well with other subjects as part of a joint honours degree and prepares students for an increasingly globalised world.”

Dr Vanderschelden, an expert in French cinema, also held a practical session which gave students the opportunity to watch clips from French films such as Amélie and Les Choristes.

The students analysed the use of dialogue in film and how this can help to learn a language.