Pupils in news on visit to BBC

As part of Business in the Community's (BITC) Work Inspiration campaign, the youngsters learnt what happens in TV and radio studios, met staff, watched a live broadcast and even had a go at reading the weather.

As well as chatting to presenters, the children spoke to other BBC staff including receptionists, engineers, office managers, IT workers, and cameraman as well as meeting presenter Justin Leigh.

They had lunch with some of the people they met and watched the news being broadcast live.

BITC believes the changing business world is making aspiration, skills and talent critical for economic success and individual opportunity.

As a result, it said there is a growing recognition among companies that the UK must improve work experience to better prepare young people for the world of work.

BITC is spearheading a campaign to improve the quality of work experience for youngsters through the Work Inspiration programme, a business-led initiative which aims to turn "work experience into work inspiration".

The BBC wants young people to understand the range of jobs available and help them understand the choices they have whilst at school, and hoped the discussions with staff will help them in career choices.

Cindy Penney, the BBC's Human Resources business partner, said she hoped the youngsters were inspired to join the organisation, and added: "There are opportunities for people from all walks of life to work at the BBC."

Ann Davies, operations manager at Business in the Community, said: "This is an easy way for businesses to get involved in the Work Inspiration campaign, as well as encourage pupils into the world of work and promote the skills needed for their own future workforce.

"We would welcome businesses getting in touch to arrange further such visits which we can tailor to suite their needs, or arrange for businesses to speak in schools about what they expect of future employees."