PSYCHOLOGY students interviewed an independent writer and curator on his specialist subjects of photography, prisons and power.

As part of Wigan and Leigh College’s A-level Professional Honours Programme, they spoke to Pete Brook on Skype about the complexities of the prison system in America and learnt how art can be a force for change in highlighting injustice in society.

Pete, who is originally from Lancashire but now lives in Portland in America, also talked about how Donald Trump’s presidency could impact the prison system.

The students researched Pete’s work and articles in preparation for the interview and Tanya Evans, head of teaching and academic studies at the college, said: “Our psychology students received an inspirational experience and learnt how the overwhelming reason people are locked up in America is due to drugs and not violence against the person (as in the UK).

Molly Stewart, who is celebrating after being offered a place at Kingston University London to study forensic psychology, said: “He has a wide knowledge about prisons and the justice systems and it opened my eyes to real life problems that occur in everyday life.

“His words were inspirational.”