DOZENS of Cheltenham youngsters are brimming with confidence for their first interview thanks to GFirst and Gloucestershire County Council.

Around 50 students at All Saints' Academy took part in a unique interview skills workshop organised by the economic development company.

The pupils were able to direct and participate in the workshop as a team of actors and professional trainers acted out an interview scenario, with the aim of giving them confidence to do well when it comes to the real thing.

Aaron Mason, 15, from Cheltenham, said: "I think it was really useful and it showed us what to do and what not to do when we get into the real thing."

Mike Curran, development manager at GFirst, said: "With increased competition to obtain a place in a university, an apprenticeship, or a job in a declining marketplace the pressure is on students, like never before, to have extremely effective interviewing skills."

Funded by Gloucestershire County Council, it is one of six pilots aimed at delivering private sector-led, enterprise and innovation support for students while improving the links between businesses and schools.