A nationwide roadshow aimed at illustrating to young people the benefits of going on to higher education has been launched by education minister Margaret Hodge.

A fleet of trailers will begin travelling around the country giving many youngsters their first taste of higher education.

The push to provide practical information direct to young people and their families with no tradition of entering higher education came as the government urged universities to do more to widen access.

Forum Response: Universities UK

Diana Warwick, chief executive of Universities UK, said: "Universities UK welcomes the formal launch of the Aimhigher roadshows. For some time now UK universities have been engaged in initiatives with schools and colleges to motivate, inspire and encourage young people from pre-GCSE onwards to think about the opportunities offered by education after the age of 16. These include close liaison with schools officers, mentoring schemes, Saturday schools and summer schools, all designed to introduce young people to university life.

"The Aimhigher roadshows will complement these initiatives and universities look forward to continuing their work with the teams as they travel round the country."