Edge Hill University students aim to revitalise an award-winning community theatre in Merseyside by masterminding a major publicity push as part of their coursework.

The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport heaped praise on Edge Hill University's Ormskirk campus on Monday.

Edge Hill students will perform a season of plays on board the Walk the Plank, the UK's only touring theatre ship.

Texas invaded Ormskirk recently as a group of American drama students introduced physical theatre to Edge Hill University.