TEAMS of experts will be on hand at centres throughout Somerset to help students plan their next move after they get their A and AS level results on Thursday next week.

With the exam results expected to set new records, many students will get better grades than they expected while others will do less well.

Consultants from Connexions Somerset will be available at its centres in Bridgwater, Frome, Minehead, Street, Taunton and Yeovil, to help students who, for whatever reason, may need to re-assess their options.

The message from Connexions Somerset is not to panic and be ready to explore all the possibilities.

Peter Renshaw, chief executive of Connexions Somerset, said: "Whatever their results there are plenty of opportunities out there."

There is still time for students to apply for university, including a wide range of university-level courses available at Somerset's own further education colleges.

Connexions Somerset, the advice, information and support service for young people aged 13 to 19, will be working flat out to help students, and other young people who may need their guidance, in the coming weeks.

Help is free, accessible and confidential - and may even come from a personal adviser who has already helped the student at school or college.

Young people and their parents and carers can drop into a Connexions centre or make an appointment beforehand.

And for those unable to get into one of the centres during the day, there is an out-of-hours telephone helpline 080-800-13219 or they can text 07766-413219 or access www.connexions-direct.com for a web chat or to send an e-mail.