A sixth form student from Matravers spent his summer in the black sea taking part in one of the largest maritime archaeological projects ever staged.

Seventeen-year-old Dan Mead was selected to be one of eight year 12 students to work alongside a team of world renowned marine and maritime scientists on the MAP Black Sea Maritime Archaeology Project.

Dan spent his time investigating the changes in the ancient environment of the Black Sea region including the impact of sea level change during the last glacial cycle.

He said: "It was such an amazing opportunity to be able to have that experience, and to work with some of the best scientists in the world, who really made me feel like one of the team.

"The equipment was also amazing, I felt like I was in a Star Trek movie. The experience was really life changing, I learned so much."

Run by Catalyst Learning and Communication, the programme enabled the students to work alongside with the science team and the crew. Almost 1,000 students applied to take part in the project which was overseen by Southampton University.

Tom Phillips, assistant headteacher and geology teacher said: "It's so great to hear Dan talk so passionately about his trip, the level of technical language he has learned is way above A-level or even degree level.

"I am so pleased he has had this opportunity, ever since being back at school he has been so buoyant in talking about it, I'm really envious actually."

A documentary crew, Black Sea Films have been filming parts of the project. The key to their work is the use of a specialist remote deep-water camera system, capable of supplying ultra-high definition imagery from more than 2 kilometres depth.

Clips from the documentary is expected to be used in the news in the next few years as research develops further.