PARKSIDE School students have been taking tips from an FBI agent.

Computer-savvy teens from the Cullingworth school heard from agent Efrene Sakaliyan during the finals of the Matrix Challenge competition.

They spent a day at the Leeds finals of the cyber security contest with parents and teachers, competing in six different activities and hearing inspiring speakers.

Parkside student Michael Steele was awarded the Judges’ Award for hard work, commitment, resilience and team work.

Parkside spokesman Vanessa McQuaid said the activities, run by organisations including BT, BAE Systems and Cyber Security Challenge UK, were engaging, challenging and thought-provoking.

She said: “The students were exemplary throughout the day and eagerly took part in the competition.

“I hope maybe a few students are considering a future career in cyber security or will feel more confident to apply good cyber security practices in their future careers.

“There will be a careers fair event in early 2019 where students can come along and learn about all of the local, national and international organisations who are keen to find talented young people.”

Efrene Sakilayan has been a Special Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation since 2005, working on cyber matters and organised crime.

He has been a threat manager at FBI headquarters in the case agent in the FBI San Francisco Field Office.