The doctors of the future gathered at a hospital in Carlisle to find out more about the profession.

Aspiring medical students from across north and west Cumbria attended the Careers in Medicine event today.

And will be back at the hospital for more fun and interactive sessions tomorrow.

The event, now in its fourth year, aims to inspire potential medical students into taking up the profession

The Cumberland Infirmary invites school pupils from years 11 to 13 - who are considering studying medicine or pharmacy - the chance to meet senior and junior medical staff and to gain top tips for medical school entry.

The event, which takes place in the hospital's education centre, is also open to anybody who has already left school and is considering studying medicine as a postgraduate degree.

About 50 pupils attended where the sessions concentrated on how to apply to medical school, cardiology and acute medicine and intensive care.

Cardiologist Dr Louise Buchanan, who has been a consultant since 2013, was leading the session.

She said: "We are very pleased with how it's gone. The students submitted questions to us in the morning about how to apply to medical school and we tried to answer them.

"They basically need to get three A's at A-level and two of those must be in science subjects like chemistry and biology plus one other.

"I think it's really important to promote medicine in Cumbria so the students can see what a career in medicine entails.

"In the past we have had excellent feedback from these sessions.

"We are hoping to set up some mock interviews for some of the students in the Autumn term."

The pupils were taught how to saw a bone, a bit about life as a GP. They also took part in an obsteric workshop and learnt about neo-natal care.

They also had the chance to learn about laparoscopy.

Ella Southwell and Lilli Noble, both 16, are pupils at Nelson Thomlinson School in Wigton.

Lilli is hoping to pursue a career in psychiatry and Ella would like to be a GP. They would both like to study in Manchester.

Ella said: "It's been really interesting. I'd like to be a doctor so I am keen to find out more."

Lilli said: "We have to submit our applications in October so it's good to know how to do that. I've really enjoyed it."

Emma Robinson and Robbie Bell, both 17, were at the event from Trinity School in Carlisle.

Emma said: "I'd like a career in A&E and I'd like to go to Newcastle or Leeds."

Robbie said: "I'd like to work in the field of infectious diseases. I'd like to study in Edinburgh. I am very much looking forward to the practical sessions."

Andrew Robson, consultant ENT surgeon and course director, said: "It is incredibly important to encourage as many of Cumbria’s brightest and best to pursue a career in medicine.

"It is vital to nurture talent and provide support to these students who may be part of the future of North Cumbria University Hospitals NHS Trust.

"I am thrilled we are able to offer the event for another year."

Tomorrow, the students will learn about trauma and the A&E team. They will also learn about neurology, cancer and radiology.

The afternoon session workshops include ears, nose and throat, suturing, advanced trauma life support and cardio.