MARKS & Spencer is giving Worcestershire school pupils the taste for an exciting career in the retail industry through its work experience programme.

Currently, two pupils from Pershore High School and three pupils from Hanley Castle High School are taking part in placements at Marks & Spencer's Worcester store, which is split between two buildings in the city's High Street.

Each year Marks & Spencer's work experience programme gives almost 3,000 UK school pupils, aged 14 to 16, a taste of life in a working environment.

They learn to make decisions about their future career and they develop skills such as information technology, communication, problem solving and working with others.

Ed Williams, head of corporate and social responsibility at Marks & Spencer, said the company believed strongly in leveraging its large network of stores to make a real impact on the communities in which it operates.

"Through our work placement programme we can help with the development of young people in our local communities by giving them a valuable insight into the retail business and experience working for a large company like Marks & Spencer."